378,000 euros for the restoration of Kugelsburg Castle in Volkmarsen

Caption: Karl-Friedrich Frese (2nd from left) recently presented a grant notification for the Kugelsburg to Volkmarsen’s mayor, Hendrik Vahle (3rd from left), at the Kugelsburg. Also present were Ute Schultz (right), a member of staff from the Rural Affairs Department, and Bernd Pfeiffer from Volkmarsen’s building authority (left). (Photo: Waldeck-Frankenberg District)

The town of Volkmarsen is to receive around 380,000 euros in state funding as part of the Village Development Programme 2025–2031, drawn from the municipal financial equalisation scheme, for the restoration of Kugelsburg Castle. Karl-Friedrich Frese, First Deputy District Administrator of the Waldeck-Frankenberg district, recently presented the relevant funding approval notice to Volkmarsen’s mayor, Hendrik Vahle.

Funding for the cultural monument and landmark ‘
’ The Romanesque castle, dating from 1200, is a cultural monument and the landmark of the town of Volkmarsen. Over the past few decades, parts of the castle grounds have already been restored and developed to ensure the long-term preservation of the site and to make it more accessible to the public – for example, for historical festivals, live music and open-air concerts, nature and family events, as well as private celebrations. Not least because of this, the castle has come to play an increasingly important role – alongside its historical significance – in cultural and tourist offerings throughout the region.

Renovation of the residential tower and perimeter wall at ‘
’ With this further maintenance measure now approved, the next important step will be carried out by the end of 2029: the upper section of the residential tower and the upper part of the perimeter wall will be renovated. Damaged masonry will be repaired in accordance with heritage conservation principles, access to the residential tower will be improved, and preparations will be made for its restoration to facilitate future use. The aim is to further open up the castle complex for socio-cultural uses and to strengthen its role as a place that fosters a sense of identity for the entire local community.

Strengthening historic buildings and regional identity
“This funding from the village development scheme sends a clear signal in support of strengthening historic buildings, regional identity and the sustainable development of villages and the wider region,” said Karl-Friedrich Frese at the handover ceremony. “The project not only safeguards an important cultural monument, but also creates additional opportunities for culture, tourism and civic engagement in Volkmarsen and the wider region.”

Grant of 378,000 euros
The total cost of the project amounts to around 562,000 euros. A grant of around 378,000 euros is being awarded, covering 80 per cent of the net investment costs. The remaining costs will be borne by the town of Volkmarsen. “Thanks to this substantial funding, we can now take an important step towards the continued preservation of Volkmarsen’s landmark,” says Mayor Hendrik Vahle. “Once the construction work is complete, hopefully our children and grandchildren will also be able to enjoy the unique view over the Waldecker Land,” added the mayor of Volkmarsen.

Keywords:

Rural Development Department Village and Regional Development