The Freusburg is a castle high above the
Sieg
Sieg may refer to:
People
* Carl Sieg (1784–1845), German painter and lithographer
* Victor Sieg (1837–1899), French composer and organist
* Lee Paul Sieg (1879–1963), a former president of the University of Washington
* Paul Eugen Si ...
Valley, which also gives its name to a village (Freusburg Siedlung). It lies between Mudersbach and Kirchen and has belonged since 1969 to the town of
Kirchen
Kirchen (Sieg) is a town and Luftkurort (climatic spa) in the district of Altenkirchen (district), Altenkirchen in the north of Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany. It is situated on the river Sieg (river), Sieg, approx. 12 km southwest of Siegen. A ...
. Before that, Freusburg was a self-governing municipality. In earlier times the location had its own court of justice.
Freusburg was first mentioned in the year 913, under the name "Fruodeesbraderofanc" (Bifanc of Fruodberg). "Bifanc" signifies a court holding or lord's headquarters. The first documented citation dates from the year 1048.
The castle itself is believed to have been built around 1100. It was first mentioned by name in connection with the division of an estate in 1247.
Between 1474 and 1617 the
von Scheidt family became the gained possession of Freusberg. Later, there was a long legal battle about between the family and the German government, involving who owned the property. It can be seen as one of the longest legal quarrels in German history, lasting several centuries. The last to have been sued was emperor
Wilhelm II
Wilhelm II (Friedrich Wilhelm Viktor Albert; 27 January 18594 June 1941) was the last German Emperor and King of Prussia from 1888 until Abdication of Wilhelm II, his abdication in 1918, which marked the end of the German Empire as well as th ...
.
About 1580,
Count Henry IV renovated the castle. In 1896, it came into the possession of the Prussian Forstfiskus, and served for years as a forest house.
The castle and grounds have been used since 1928 as a youth hostel. Over time, modifications to keep up with the times became necessary. On October 23, 1986, after a complete renovation, it was ceremonially reopened by German President
Richard von Weizsäcker
Richard Karl Freiherr von Weizsäcker (; 15 April 1920 – 31 January 2015) was a German politician ( CDU), who served as President of Germany from 1984 to 1994. Born into the aristocratic Weizsäcker family, who were part of the German nobili ...
. At about 60,000 overnight stays a year, it ranks with the most visited youth hostels in Germany.
Freusburg provides an excellent view of the surrounding woods and of the Sieg Valley and Freusburg Mill.
Castles in Rhineland-Palatinate
Buildings and structures in Altenkirchen (district)
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