How the House of Hesse preserves its noble legacy through castles and commerce

From Schloss Wilhelmshöhe to vineyards and hotels, this noble dynasty blends heritage with business. Discover how they keep history alive for visitors today.

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2026 February 20 . 9:18 AM

1 min read

The image shows an old map of the city of Stuttgart, Germany, with buildings, trees, grass, water,... — The image shows an old map of the city of Stuttgart, Germany, with buildings, trees, grass, water, and text. The map is detailed and shows the various streets, buildings, and other landmarks of the area. The text on the map provides additional information about the city, such as its population, history, and culture.

A Family, Two Foundations - How the House of Hesse preserves its noble legacy through castles and commerce

The House of Hesse, a historic noble dynasty, continues to manage its cultural and commercial legacy through two key foundations. Established in 1928, the Hessian House Foundation oversees castles, parks, and art collections, while also running businesses under the 'Prinz von Hessen' brand. Recent changes include the sale of a major hotel and the creation of a separate cultural body.

The Hessian House Foundation was set up nearly a century ago to protect and share the family's heritage. It maintains iconic sites like Schloss Wilhelmshöhe in Kassel, complete with its famous Bergpark and Löwenburg, as well as Schloss Fasanerie near Fulda and the Roman Open-Air Museum in Gernsheim. These locations remain open to visitors, offering tours, exhibitions, and park access.

Beyond heritage, the foundation operates commercial ventures, including a vineyard, a stud farm, and two hotels under the 'Prinz von Hessen' name. However, in 2022, the Grand Hotel Hessischer Hof was sold to the investor group Peakside. This move followed a broader restructuring of assets, partly influenced by inheritance tax considerations.

In 2012, the Cultural Foundation of the House of Hesse was created to handle the family's artistic and cultural holdings separately. Donatus, the current head of the House of Hesse since 2013, oversees these efforts, ensuring the dynasty's legacy endures in both public and private spheres.

The House of Hesse now balances preservation with modern financial pressures. Its foundations manage historic sites while adapting to economic realities, such as asset sales and tax planning. The family's influence remains visible through public access to castles and ongoing cultural projects.