Sayneck Castle

The origins of Sayneck Castle date back to 1881, when Alexander Graf von Hachenburg had a simple hunting lodge built in the Princely Wied hunting grounds. A first expansion occurred just one year later. From 1884, the industrialist Friedrich Alfred Krupp leased the property and used it as a base for his hunts. In the following years, numerous outbuildings were added. In 1888, Alfred Krupp decided to demolish the existing house to erect a larger hunting castle in the same style on the same site. The castle was the scene of many hunting parties with guests, some of whom even arrived by special trains. In December 1944, a Reich Labor Service hospital was set up in the castle. From January to March 1945, it served as the residence for the Gauleiter of Gau Moselland, Gustav Simon, and his staff, with Robert Ley also among the visitors.