In Molsberg, the history of the castle and palace meets glimpses of the palace park and walks through the countryside. When planning a stay, you can therefore start with a specific question: are historic buildings, nature or a hike your main focus?
From Castle to Baroque Palace
Molsberg Castle was built by the Lords of Molsberg before 1116. It belonged to a chain of castles intended to protect the trade route between Frankfurt and Cologne. Molsberg Palace is located on the present-day B8, the historic trade route between the two cities. The castle was demolished in 1760 to make way for a Baroque palace commissioned by Johann Philipp von Walderdorff. Molsberg Palace has stood on a basalt rock since 1766. It nevertheless remained unfinished: it consists of a single rectangular wing.
The building’s history can also be seen in the palace chapel. The palace rooms and chapel are housed under one roof. Johannes Seiz planned the chapel’s elaborate furnishings; Michael Eytel created the stucco work on the ceiling and in the altar niche. The restoration of the palace chapel took six years and was completed in 2007. Molsberg thus brings together different periods: the medieval castle, its conversion into a Baroque palace and the later preservation of the chapel.
Palace Park and Historic Houses
The palace park also tells the story of its design: in 1785, a garden with 258 plum trees and twelve pyramid trees was laid out there. The palace estate also includes centuries-old trees and views across the surrounding hilly countryside. Two trees from the palace park were recognized as German Champion Trees in 2011. Parts of the park are open to visitors from Easter to the end of October; check the latest access information before your visit.
Another historic building in the village is the Schultheissen House, opposite the former village school. It dates from 1688. Anyone interested in the village’s development can consider this building, alongside the much older history of the castle and palace, as a distinct witness to the past.
Art, Model and Whitsun Fair
The restored garden pavilion at Molsberg Palace serves as an exhibition space for contemporary art. Two exhibitions are held there each year. Since access and the program are important for a visit, check the current exhibition and access arrangements in advance. A model of the former castle can also be viewed in the palace; check locally before you travel to find out whether access is available.
The traditional Whitsun fair includes an open-air church service in the palace courtyard. Details of the event may vary from year to year. If you would like to plan your stay around it, find out about the dates and program in advance.
Hiking and Cycling around Molsberg
Molsberg Palace lies on the Westerwald Loop, a cycling route that passes the palace. Before setting out, check the latest route information for detours or closures. Another option is a hike described as easy, 13 kilometers long, and starting and ending in Steinefrenz. The route passes through hilly fields and meadows; Molsberg Palace is one of its sights. This gives you different options when planning: a cycling tour with views of the palace, or a hiking route with a set distance and circular layout.
When looking for a holiday apartment, you can first decide whether you want to visit Molsberg for its castle and palace history, the park’s seasonal opening or one of the routes described. These points of interest can help you tailor your stay to your own interests, without assuming that any particular accommodation is available.
More to Explore in the Westerwald
Beyond Molsberg, the wider Westerwald destination offers other distinct attractions. Stöffel Park is a former basalt quarry site covering around 140 hectares, where industrial heritage, geological history and nature come together. The WesterwaldSteig runs for 235 kilometers through the region and is divided into 16 stages; check the latest route plan before setting out. In Hachenburg, restored half-timbered houses around the Old Market shape the historic town center, whose character is also defined by the Lion Fountain. These regional destinations add to the options, while the palace, chapel and park are the focus in Molsberg itself.
Discover more destinations: Ellenhausen, Hachenburg, Rennerod, Giesenhausen, Nomborn, Ebernhahn, Alpenrod, Girod.
Go to the main travel overview: Westerwald.
