Söldenau Castle

Söldenau Castle is a four-winged complex in the Bavarian village of Söldenau, a district of Ortenburg. Originally designed as a moated castle, it is a striking example of medieval architecture in the region.

The origins of Söldenau Castle date back to 1320, when it was built by Schweiker II. Tuschl, a knight of Söldenau. The original name “Säldenau” derives from the word “Sälde,” meaning happiness. After the Tuschl family died out in 1397, the castle changed hands multiple times. A lengthy inheritance dispute erupted in 1426 over the estates, involving Count Heinrich V of Ortenburg. Despite several arbitration attempts, the conflict was not resolved until 1445. Another inheritance dispute over Söldenau arose after the death of Veronika von Aichberg's father in 1511, when Ulrich II of Ortenburg had acquired the castle through marriage. This dispute, which also included extensive debts, was only resolved in 1517 by Duke Ludwig X of Bavaria, who acquired the County of Hals and settled the debts. Ulrich II then received Saldenburg and Söldenau castles.