Schloss Zwingenberg hosts weddings, private celebrations, wine tastings, exhibitions and presentations for groups of up to about 100 guests. The castle stands above the Neckar river in Zwingenberg, between Heidelberg and Heilbronn. It belongs to the House of Baden and is managed by the family forestry office.
Seminars and company events
The castle suits small presentations, candlelight dinners and tasting evenings rather than large conferences. The old kitchen, with its stone pillar and frescoes, is the room the castle itself suggests for presentations and wine tastings. It holds up to 45 people. The terrace in the lower courtyard allows a summer reception for 100 guests with a view over the valley. The site does not list technical equipment, so a company should ask the office what is available before planning a program.
Weddings and receptions
The castle names weddings and christenings among the events it hosts. A civil ceremony or a reception can take place in the vaulted rooms or, in summer, on the terrace. The castle also has its own chapel, which holds the tomb of the Countess of Heydeck. Couples ask the castle office for details of ceremonies in the chapel.
Rooms and capacities
Three spaces are offered for hire. The old kitchen holds up to 45 people and has a large fireplace, a stone pillar and frescoes. The Zerwirkgewölbe, also called the Schlachthaus, is a large vaulted hall where game was once hung and butchered. It opens onto a small garden above the river and can be used for all kinds of celebrations. The large terrace in the lower courtyard holds 100 people and works best in summer.
The castle says special requests are welcome and that advice is given without obligation. The official site does not give capacities for the Zerwirkgewölbe, nor details on catering, bedrooms or conditions of hire.
History and setting
The oldest parts of the castle date from the 12th and 13th centuries. The lords of Zwingenberg, vassals of the counts of Hohenlohe, are the first known owners in 1326. In 1364 troops of the Palatinate and Württemberg destroyed the castle. From 1404 the brothers Hans and Eberhard of Hirschhorn rebuilt it, and much of what stands today is their work. The Hirschhorn family held it for over two centuries. In 1778 Elector Karl Theodor gave it to his natural son, the Count of Bretzenheim. In 1808 Grand Duke Karl Friedrich of Baden bought it with private funds, and it has belonged to the House of Baden since.
Getting there
From Heidelberg, follow the B37 upstream along the Neckar. From Heilbronn, take the B27 and B37 downstream. Both drives take about 45 minutes. The S-Bahn from Heidelberg or Heilbronn reaches Zwingenberg (Baden) station in about 30 minutes. From the station or from parking along the B37, a footpath leads to the castle in 10 to 20 minutes, so guests with limited mobility should ask about access.
