Iburg Castle

Iburg Castle is a double complex consisting of a former prince-bishop's residence and the Benedictine Abbey of St. Clemens. Its foundation dates back to the 11th century. From 1236, the Osnabrück bishops expanded the complex into a residence. At the end of the 15th century, Prince-Bishop Philip Sigismund of Brunswick-Wolfenbüttel expanded the castle into the ensemble of buildings it is today. In its eventful history, especially as a result of the Thirty Years' War, the castle was repeatedly altered.

Probably the most famous inhabitant of the castle was Sophie Charlotte, who was born at Schloss Iburg in 1668. She later became the first queen of Prussia and grandmother of Frederick the Great.
Today the castle houses, among other things, the castle museum. The highlight is undoubtedly the 17th-century Knights' Hall, which has been preserved to this day and is magnificently furnished. There is no better example of perspective-painted mock architecture north of the Alps. In addition to the Knights' Hall, the castle tours worth seeing include Queen Sophie Charlotte's birth and dressing room, the Benno Tower, the inner courtyards and two churches.

To this day, the castle characterises the townscape of this lovely town. Surrounded by forests, Bad Iburg is an excellent starting point for extensive hikes or cycling tours on the 100 Castles Route.