Schloss Liebenstein

Schloss Liebenstein stands in Jebenhausen, a district of Göppingen in the Stuttgart region. Built in the 17th century, it replaced an earlier medieval stronghold owned by the Lords of Liebenstein since the 13th century. The family had expanded their holdings through purchases in 1467 and 1468, but a dispute between two brothers led to the loss of their ancestral castle and estates in 1671 and 1678. The proceeds from the sale allowed Philipp Albrecht von Liebenstein to construct the present building near the Sauerwasser springs, which were partly incorporated into the cellar vaults and still flow there today.

The castle remains largely unchanged since its completion in 1686. It is a plain stone structure, distinguished only by corner turrets and a three-tiered gable topped with an obelisk. The design reflects the modest ambitions of its builder, who used the funds from the sale to create a new residence rather than a grand palace. Despite its simplicity, the building preserves the history of the Liebenstein family’s rise and fall over four centuries. Today, it continues to serve as a private home for one branch of the family.

Visitors approach the castle through quiet streets in Jebenhausen, where the 17th-century structure rises simply above the surrounding houses. Inside, the original cellars still contain the Sauerwasser springs that once made the site valuable. The exterior’s restrained decoration contrasts with the turbulent events that shaped its past. The building offers no public tours, but its exterior and the nearby springs remain visible reminders of the Liebenstein family’s long connection to the area.