[1] The construction of a small lodge was begun in 1682-84 under the "Great Elector" Frederick William of Brandenburg, together with a cavalier house and stables, possibly according to plans designed by Charles Philippe Dieussart.

When Elector Frederick rose to a King in Prussia in 1701, he had the castle lavishly rebuilt in a Baroque style.

In 1889-92, Frederick Charles' son and heir Prince Friedrich Leopold of Prussia had the castle again rebuilt in the style of historicism by architect Albert Geyer, who expanded the central block of the building and added a tower.

After World War II, the castle first housed a cadet school of the Soviet army; in 1947 it became a youth hostel.

[2] Because the castle had no fire alarm and its water intakes had become clogged with silt, the resulting damage was particularly severe and has yet to be fully repaired.