Every child knows Faber-Castell pencils and has probably used them to draw or write at some point. However, the fact that a Franconian noble family is behind the manufacturer is likely far less well known. This family hails from Stein near Nuremberg, where they had the historicist Faber-Castell Castle built. Today, the family no longer lives in the castle, and you can tour it yourself on a guided tour.
Prominent Business Dynasty
In 1898, Ottilie von Faber and Alexander Graf zu Castell-Rüdenhausen were married and subsequently founded the new Faber-Castell branch of the family. Ottilie came from an industrial family that had been in business since the 16th century and founded the first pencil factory in 1761. Ninety years later, Lothar Faber introduced the pencil standard and was knighted for his efforts. As part of this, he had a prestigious company headquarters built in the Neo-Renaissance style in Stein near Nuremberg: the Faber Castle.
Shortly thereafter, a second Faber castle was built as a retirement home for Lothar in Schwarzenbruck on the Schwarzach. Ottilie and Alexander initially lived there, but returned to Stein around the turn of the century, where they built the new castle next to the old one. It was ready for occupancy in 1906. Lothar von Faber had died in the meantime, which is why Ottilie had taken over the company, now known as Faber-Castell.
The family lived in Faber-Castell Castle until the start of World War II, when it was confiscated. After regaining possession of it in 1953, they did not move back in. Today, the Faber-Castell family is considered one of Germany’s most prominent business dynasties, and their company is regarded as the oldest industrial enterprise in the world.
The New Faber-Castell Castle
Faber-Castell Castle follows the German Romanesque style and also features Art Nouveau elements. It is connected to the old castle by the five-story bell tower . Today, this tower is considered the landmark of the town of Stein. The building extends in a rectangle around the inner courtyard and borders a spacious park that stretches all the way to Nuremberg and therefore belongs in part to the city. A stroll through the 27-hectare grounds is especially worthwhile in the spring.
From the outside, Faber-Castell Castle has a medieval appearance with its bay windows, turrets, and dark stone walls. Inside, historicism is evident in a blend of architectural styles. In the stairwell, you can admire the Art Nouveau stucco ceiling; the library draws inspiration from the Renaissance; and in the ballroom, you’ll find numerous elements from various eras, ranging from Gothic to Art Nouveau to Baroque.
If you want to see all of this and much more with your own eyes, you can book a guided tour of Faber-Castell Castle. Tickets for adults cost €12, and €6 for seniors. In addition, cultural events are held regularly that you can attend. Or you can participate in one of the creative workshops and learn skills like hand lettering or photorealistic drawing. Furthermore, the castle has often served as a filming location for movies, such as “Hanni & Nanni” or “Hindenburg.”
📍 Location: Faber-Castell Castle, Nürnbergerstr. 2, Stein
🕑 Tour times: Between 12 PM and 8 PM
💶 Price information: €12 regular, €6 reduced
