This castle was the only one in its state ever planned for demolition

Krauchenwies Castle, a historic landmark in Baden-Württemberg, narrowly escaped demolition twice in its long history. First saved by an emperor over a thousand years ago, it faced destruction again in 2002 before citizen protests intervened. Now, after years of neglect and decay, the castle is being transformed into a cultural hub.

The castle’s origins trace back to around the year 1000, when local nobles sought to destroy it. At the time, it served as a refuge for villagers resisting feudal oppression. The community appealed to Emperor Otto III, who declared it a Reichsburg—an imperial fortress—under royal protection in 997.

Over the centuries, Krauchenwies Castle took on many roles. After World War II, it housed an orphanage and later became a shelter for refugees. By 1990, it stood empty, left to deteriorate. During the war, Sophie Scholl, later famous for her anti-Nazi resistance, was forced to perform gruelling labour service there under harsh conditions. By 2002, the castle was in dire shape, with rotting beams, a collapsed roof, and a crumbling façade. The Hohenzollern family, who owned it, applied for demolition permission. However, public outcry and heritage campaigns stopped the plan. Emergency repairs stabilised the structure, earning it the title 'Monument of the Year' in 2007. In 2020, sculptor Josef Alexander Henselmann purchased the castle and began a full restoration. His vision includes turning it into a cultural centre with exhibitions, a gallery, readings, and apartments.

The castle’s future now looks far brighter than its years of decay. Once a symbol of resistance and survival, it will soon host art, history, and community events. The restoration ensures that Krauchenwies Castle remains a living part of the region’s heritage.