Castle of Munchausen Apelern

Apelern, Germany, Germany

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Schloss von Münchhausen in Apelern, Germany, is a moated castle first granted as a fief to the Münchhausen family by the Counts of Schaumburg in the 14th century, evolving into one of their main seats by the 16th century.

Commissioned around 1560 by Baron Börries von Münchhausen and built by Weserrenaissance architect Jakob Kölling, the four-winged complex features a moat, a two-story manor house with a staircase tower from 1561 (remodeled in 1889), and later additions like a 1788 timber-framed eastern wing.

Still privately owned by Münchhausen descendants after over 650 years, it underwent major restoration in 2004-2005 and remains a family residence near apple orchards referenced in the village's name.