Peter I of RussiaCharles XII of SwedenNapoleon I of France

Guesthouse of the Kings

The historic events that took place in Wittenberg led to the modernization of Europe and their high importance and great significance were recognized very early on. For good reason, Wittenberg became the destination of some of the most progressive European leaders during the 17th and 18th century.

Many famous historical European leaders have stayed in the “Guesthouse of the Kings” – what today is our hotel.

  • On February 21, 1707, the Swedish King Charles XII stayed here overnight.
  • On October 14, 1712 the Russian Tsar Peter the Great stayed here over night. Tsar Peter spent much time in Western European countries that – following the events in Wittenberg and the development of all areas of society – had taken a lead compared to the still “Medieval” Russia. Tsar Peter not only stayed in Wittenberg but made extensive travels through Western Europe to study the advances of technology and modernizations in other areas of society. Tsar Peter’s stay in a Dutch shipbuilding dock was even immortalized in the famous opera “Zar und Zimmermann” (Tsar and Carpenter).

Where else in the world can you stay in a hotel where Tsars and emperors have dined and slept?

During the 19th century, the building served various purposes. In 1806, on their march to Russia, Napoleon’s army stayed in Wittenberg and the building was recruited for Napoleon’s army officers. Then, only a few years later, the building became an institute to train the newly developed midwifery profession, the first course from which graduated in 1818. In 1851, classes of 30-40 students passed a 5 month long course. In 1885, Olga Gebauer graduated here and went on to launch the German Midwifery Institute that lasted until 1904, shortly before WWI.

During the 20th century, until the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, the building was used largely for living quarters. The ground floor was also used as the command center of the local fire brigade. From 1990 to 1998 the building complex was neglected and deteriorated.

In 1999 we acquired this historic building and restored it to its original beauty and splendour.

We look forward to welcoming you!