Hohenkammer has its roots in an ancient Celtic settlement. It was first mentioned in a document in 784 AD. Its past commands respect, its future commitment.
History – an overview
The Lords of Camer gave the town its name ‘Hohencamer’ in 1042 AD and built a castle here. The von Camer family lived here for more than 500 years. They were replaced by the Barons of Haslang. In 1648 – during the last days of the Thirty Years’ War – the castle was burned down to its foundations.
After the fire, the building was reconstructed in its present Bavarian Renaissance style. The von Haslangs spent nearly 250 years in the new castle, until the property was turned over to the von Preysing family in 1804. After this, the periods of ownership became briefer. The von Preysings were followed by the Lords of Cotta, who, in turn, were replaced by the von Vequels. In the early 20th century, the castle became the property of the Bavarian ‘Raiffeisen Zentralgenossenschaft’, an association which moved to Hohenkammer in 1917. The castle was given its new and present purpose in 1973, when it became a training centre. Munich Re took over Schloss Hohenkammer in 2003 and continues to use it as a seminar centre.
After the fire, the building was reconstructed in its present Bavarian Renaissance style. The von Haslangs spent nearly 250 years in the new castle, until the property was turned over to the von Preysing family in 1804. After this, the periods of ownership became briefer. The von Preysings were followed by the Lords of Cotta, who, in turn, were replaced by the von Vequels. In the early 20th century, the castle became the property of the Bavarian ‘Raiffeisen Zentralgenossenschaft’, an association which moved to Hohenkammer in 1917. The castle was given its new and present purpose in 1973, when it became a training centre. Munich Re took over Schloss Hohenkammer in 2003 and continues to use it as a seminar centre.
Art – but a different kind
Those who believe that a castle’s art must hang on walls in heavy frames in an awe-inspiring manner will find no such thing at Schloss Hohenkammer. Inquisitive eyes are met instead with a revival of mural painting that was common in the Renaissance. Examples include a text sculpture by Lawrence Weiner in the former chapel, and light, vegetative murals by Martin Schwenk. Hamish Fulton is the visitor’s artistic guide. His explorations of all four points of the compass, starting from Hohenkammer, resulted in 65 pieces of work. These can now be found in the rooms of our guest house. The artist left a large mural in the entrance as a message.
Culture – of your own making
Schloss Hohenkammer’s Renaissance courtyard and a Bach concert – don’t these go together? It is not just the courtyard, but the entire castle that offers wonderful possibilities for all kinds of presentations and events. If you wish to crown your seminars or events with a memorable ending, our advisory team will be happy to help.
