Ringberg Castle

Ringberg Castle (Schloss Ringberg) is a unique example of a 20th-century castle located near the town of Kreuth in Bavaria, Germany. Constructed over a long period from 1913 to 1973, it reflects the vision of Duke Luitpold Emanuel Ludwig Maria of Bavaria (1890-1973), a member of the historic Wittelsbach family, who were former rulers of Bavaria. The castle stands as a testament to the Duke's lifelong obsession with architectural fantasy, inspired in large part by the famous Neuschwanstein Castle built by his relative, King Ludwig II.

The origins of Ringberg Castle are closely tied to the friendship and collaboration between the Duke and Friedrich Attenhuber (1877-1947), a Munich painter. Their relationship began at Munich University where the Duke studied philosophy and art history from 1910 to 1914, and Attenhuber initially provided painting lessons to him. The two men traveled extensively across Europe, during which time Attenhuber took on the role of supervising the castle's construction. He was deeply involved in every aspect of the project, from its architectural design to the interior decoration, including the creation of numerous paintings that adorn the castle's rooms.

Architecture and artistic vision

The castle's architectural style is firmly rooted in the modern period, yet it draws heavily on the romantic and fantastical elements typical of 19th-century Bavarian castles. Unlike traditional medieval fortresses, Ringberg Castle was never intended for defense but rather as a personal retreat and a showcase of artistic expression. Attenhuber's influence is evident throughout the castle, where he combined architectural elements with his own paintings and decorative arts to create a cohesive artistic environment.

Attenhuber's artistic style evolved significantly during his time at Ringberg. Initially a post-impressionist, he shifted towards a more realistic style reminiscent of the Blut und Boden movement favored by the Nazis, although the motivations behind this change remain unclear. Many of these paintings, depicting rural life and local farmhouses around the Tegernsee area, are displayed on the castle's ground and first floors. The second floor houses works from his earlier, more experimental period, including his last self-portrait, which revisits his original style.

Historical context and personal story

The relationship between Duke Luitpold and Friedrich Attenhuber deteriorated in the 1930s. Attenhuber became socially isolated, effectively confined to the castle by the Duke. Tragically, in 1947, Attenhuber died by suicide, jumping from the castle's tower. Despite this personal loss, the Duke remained committed to completing the castle, financing its construction by selling other family estates such as Possenhofen Castle.

Interestingly, Duke Luitpold never lived permanently at Ringberg Castle. Instead, he preferred to stay at nearby hotels, including the Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten in Munich and the Hotel Bachmair near the castle. His dedication to the project spanned decades, and he continued overseeing construction until his death in 1973, leaving the castle unfinished.

Legacy and current use

In the 1960s, concerned about the castle's future and its significant tax burden, Duke Luitpold sought to have Ringberg Castle designated as a historical monument, but this request was denied. Faced with the options of selling the property to the Confederation of German Trade Unions or donating it to the Max Planck Society, he chose the latter. The castle officially passed to the Max Planck Society after his death.

Today, Ringberg Castle remains the property of the Max Planck Society and is not open to the general public. It serves as a venue for academic conferences and meetings, preserving its unique character and artistic heritage. Its combination of modern construction techniques, romantic Bavarian influences, and the personal imprint of its creators makes Ringberg Castle a notable example of 20th-century castle architecture in Germany.

Location and setting

Situated in the scenic region of Bavaria, the castle overlooks the Tegernsee lake and is surrounded by the Bavarian Alps. Its elevated position offers commanding views of the natural landscape, enhancing its appeal as a retreat and artistic sanctuary. The location in Kreuth places it within a rich cultural and historical context, with numerous other castles and historic sites nearby.

Architectural features and interior highlights

Ringberg Castle features a blend of traditional castle elements such as towers, , and courtyards, but these are interpreted through a modern lens. The interiors are notable for the extensive collection of Attenhuber's paintings, which provide a window into early 20th-century Bavarian rural life and artistic trends. The castle's halls and chambers reflect the Duke's personal tastes and the collaborative vision that shaped its creation.