The vast forests of Wermsdorf, rich in game, inspired Elector Christian II to build the first hunting lodge on the site of an old feudal estate.
The vast forests of Wermsdorf, rich in game, inspired Elector Christian II to build the first hunting lodge on the site of an old feudal estate. It was kept very simple and was soon converted and extended in the style of the German Renaissance from 1617 to 1626 at the command of Elector Johann Georg I. Master builder Simon Hoffmann gave the castle its current appearance.
Three irregular wings form the courtyard, numerous gables effectively enliven the façades and an oriel with artistic sandstone work gives the building a special touch. An octagonal stair tower with lantern and cambered top separates both main wings.
From 1626 to 1628, the building served as the electoral hunting lodge. However, the turmoil of the Thirty Years' War interrupted its intended purpose up until 1685. From then on it was again used by Elector Johann Georg III as a hunting lodge. In 1696, Elector August the Strong handed over the castle to his governor, Egon Fürst von Fürstenberg, with the order to set up the local forests for hound hunting.
After the death of Fürstenberg in 1716, Augustus the Strong took over the castle with the entire hunting facility in order to have it extended for the crown prince. With the construction of the Hubertus castle, the "Old Hunting Lodge" lost connection to its original purpose. It served as a guest-house and apartment for servants. In 1873, the Saxon king had the castle re-established for his court hunts. Until 1918, it served as a royal hunting lodge. After the Prince's expropriation, the entire estate was brought to Moritzburg or auctioned. From the rooms emerged apartments and offices.
Today, the old hunting lodge houses not only the municipal administration but also the tourist information office, a cultural meeting centre, the Wermsdorf registry office, the local police station and a riding stable.