Braunfels Castle was first mentioned in 1246 as a fortress of Counts of Solms. Since 1384, they have used it is as their main residence. Perhaps the most famous woman to reside there was Amalia of Solms-Braunfels, who was born there in 1602. It was converted into the baroque style in the 18th century. Prince Georg Friedrich of Solms-Braunfels died in 1970 and left the castle to his daughter, Marie Gabrielle, Countess of Oppersdorff Solms-Braunfels. Her family still lives in the castle today.
According to the guide, Amalia’s birth is the main reason many Dutch tourists come to the castle. Nevertheless, tours are not offered in Dutch and the tour guide found it necessary to mock the Dutch tourists in the group. I can’t say I felt particularly welcome there. A tour can be arranged in English, but you have to call ahead.
Perhaps the best part of the castle is the castle church, which you can visit without a tour. The coloured grave plate against the east wall is of Count Conrad of Solms-Braunfels and his wife Elisabeth of Nassau-Dillenburg, a sister of William of Orange. The gorgeous wooden epitaph to their right is for the four daughters and a son of theirs who all died in childhood.
A 50-minute tour costs € 7,00, which I think is quite reasonable. More info is on their official website.
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