Freudenthal Castle

Duke Erich II of Brunswick-Lüneburg had Freudenthal Castle built between 1559 and 1565. As a mercenary leader in the service of Emperor Charles V, the Duke was often in the Netherlands and commissioned builders from there for the project. To make space for the structure and a spacious forecourt, residents of Uslar were relocated in 1561, leading to the creation of today's “Neustadt” (New Town). The castle, a four-wing complex with an almost square inner courtyard and projecting towers at each corner, was built on a plinth made of sandstone. Duke Erich II only used it as a pleasure and hunting lodge. In 1612, just 53 years after construction began, a lightning strike completely destroyed the complex by fire. It was never rebuilt; a princely administrative building was later erected in its place.