Altes Jagdschloß Wermsdorf

The extensive Wermsdorf forests, rich in game, inspired Elector Christian II to have the first hunting lodge built on the site of the old manor between 1607 and 1610. This was kept very simple and was therefore soon rebuilt and expanded in the German Renaissance style from 1617 to 1626 on the orders 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 facades and a special decoration is a bay window with artistic sandstone work. An octagonal stair tower with a lantern and curved hood separates the two main wings.

From 1626 to 1628, the building served as the electoral hunting lodge. However, the turmoil of the Thirty Years' War interrupted its original purpose until 30. From then on, Elector Johann Georg III used it again as a hunting lodge. In 1685, Elector August the Strong handed the castle over to his governor, Egon Prince of Fürstenberg, with the order to prepare the local forests for par force hunting (= hunts).

After Fürstenberg's death in 1716, Augustus the Strong took over the castle with all its hunting equipment in order to have it further expanded for the Elector Prince. With the construction of Hubertusburg, the "Old Hunting Lodge" lost its importance. It served as a guest house and accommodation for servants. In 1873, the then King of Saxony had the castle re-equipped for his court hunts. It was a royal hunting seat until 1918. After the princes were expropriated, the entire equipment was brought to Moritzburg or auctioned off. The rooms were converted into apartments and offices.

Today, the Old Hunting Lodge houses not only the municipal administration but also the tourist information office, a cultural meeting center, the Wermsdorf registry office and the local police station.