The museum in Wiesbaden’s Freudenberg Castle (Schloss Freudenberg) provides an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages as you explore the wonders of senses and the mind. This 20th century restored building has been known as the “Museum of Senses” since 1993. Built as a villa for residents by the architect Paul Schultze-Naumburg, the Schloss Freudenberg is rich with Wiesbaden history.

History

During World War I, the villa was used as an Officers Club for the French Army. Around 1920 the city acquired the castle and then closed it in 1931. After World War II it was acquired by the US Army Garrison Wiesbaden and then later served as the Rod and Gun Club for US Military personnel. The castle was turned over to the United Pentecostal Church in the 1970s, then fell into disrepair due to vandalism and fire after the church left in 1984.

Thanks to the Society of Nature and Art in 1993, the castle was restored to as it is known today. This group of artists and educators had a vision to help visitors develop the senses and the mind through art and culture.

Some describe the castle as a laboratory where you can experiment and be involved. I agree with that description, because walking into the castle was like walking into another world where you can touch, explore and connect with your senses. I have been to science museums in the States. The difference is that this one is more homemade and has a strong ‘think outside of the box’ mentality.

Things to do Outside

There is so much to do on the beautiful park grounds even before going inside. There are hands-on stations, an amazing playground, a climbing wall and a barefoot path. The first station we stopped at we were able to paint a special wish on a ‘wishing stone.’

Then to explore and give a great lesson to children about the power of the sun, there was a magnifying glass that actually burned wood!

Around the corner there is a huge playground area with balance games, stilts, swings and climbing logs. (Note to self: stilts are much harder than they look!)

Things to Do Inside

After embarrassing myself enough with the stilts, it was time to go inside. When first walking into the castle, you will see curious minds of all ages exploring the area. Children were making their own candles, adults were playing with chimes and we were making waves from the friction of our hands. This was all happening in one room!

The café and gift shop were also on the first floor. Serving delicious homemade treats and coffee, the café had unique charm with fake (hopefully) giant ants coming out from a corner on the ceiling.

Absolutely loving the gift shop, I was able to buy some very cool items for good prices. Visitors can also touch and try out each instrument, puzzle and gemstone in the gift store.

The top floors had so many amazing and creative stations to explore, including pendulums used in so many ingenious ways.

Also upstairs we exercised our olfactory (relating to smell) memory. We covered up cards and tested whether we were able to recognize the scent. I was very surprised how uncanny the scents were. Some of the scents will trigger a memory, just like when you smell a certain perfume and are immediately reminded of someone you know now or from your past.

Downstairs visitors are able to explore experiments with light and dark, including playing with shadows and more. You can also go into a completely blacked out hallway and then enter the “Dunkel Bar” (Dark Bar) as if you are blind. Sorry there are no image of the Dark Bar… just close your eyes! The Dark Bar can be booked for groups, team events, etc. I would enjoy a work meeting in here, because then no one can see me nodding off!

There are more stations involving touching and vibrations. To me more like a trust exercise, you can put your hands in the clay pots and try to guess what is inside. After watching so many episodes of Fear Factor, I was a little reluctant to put my hand inside. Of course it turned out that I was fine!

Near that station there was a room filled with sand and a couple of metal circles on poles. By stroking a bow, designs are created from the sound waves that are made.

The grand finale of our visit to Schloss Freudenberg was the ice room, in which we found a good place to cuddle. For my 4-year-old, we were going into the “Elsa” room (in reference to the Disney movie “Frozen”)! In this chilly -22°C room, you can look at a magnified snowflake garden as well as see an ice creation where only one drop of water is added each day. The staff member who conducted the class without a coat, and like Elsa, said that ‘the cold never bothered her anyway’!

General Information

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Hours:
Monday Closed
Tuesday-Friday: 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday: 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

Hours are slightly different for Hessian school holidays. Check the website before visiting: https://www.schlossfreudenberg.de/

Entry Price: For a day ticket, the following prices apply.

• Adults 18€
• Apprentices & Students 14€
• Youths (7 to 17 years) 10€
• Children (3 to 6 years) 8€

How to Get There

By car, Freudenberg Castle is approximately 1 hours and 15 minutes from Kaiserslautern and 2 hours and 2o minutes north of Stuttgart.

Author’s Profile: Gemma is a mom, a veteran and an Army civilian living in Wiesbaden, Germany. With New Jersey roots, she is enjoying her extended European vacation.

Featured Image Photo Credit: Branko Srot / Shutterstock.com