The Winterhalter Museum Menzenschwand is dedicated to Franz Xaver Winterhalter, one of the most important court painters of the 19th century. Born in Menzenschwand, he created portraits of European royal houses, including Queen Victoria of England and Empress Sissi of Austria. From the Wellnesshotel Sonnenhof & Sonnhalde, you can reach the entrance in a 35-minute drive.
- Address: Vorderdorfstraße, 79837 St. Blasien-Menzenschwand
- Admission: Adults €4, children €2
- Open: May to October, Tue–Sun
- Directions from the hotel: 35 mins
Who was Franz Xaver Winterhalter?
Franz Xaver Winterhalter (1805–1873) moved from Menzenschwand as the poor son of a peasant to Munich, and then to Paris. There he became the most sought-after court painter of his time. His portraits of the French Empress Eugénie and Empress Sisi are world-famous. The Winterhalter Museum in Menzenschwand showcases his beginnings, works, and eventful biography.
Highlights in the Winterhalter Museum
- Original sketches from the early years
- Reproductions of the famous court portraits (Sissi, Eugénie, Victoria)
- Family history the Winterhalters in Menzenschwand
- moving into the birthplace right next door
Directions + Ticket
From the Hotel Sonnenhof & Sonnhalde Drive 35 minutes to Menzenschwand. Ideal combination with the Menzenschwand waterfall (5 mins) or the Menzenschwand radon spa (5 mins). St Blasien Cathedral is 15 minutes away.
FAQ about the Winterhalter Museum Menzenschwand
How much does the Winterhalter Museum cost?
Adults €4, children €2. Reduced rate with the Hochschwarzwald-Card.
When is the Winterhalter Museum open?
May to October, Tue–Sun. Closed in winter.
Reservation
Bookings directly at Hotel Sonnenhof & Sonnhalde save up to 35%.
Winterhalter Museum Menzenschwand: Works in Detail
The Winterhalter Museum Menzenschwand displays several original sketches from Franz Xaver Winterhalter's early years, as well as high-quality reproductions of his most famous works. These include the portrait of Empress Eugénie and her ladies-in-waiting, Queen Victoria of England, and Empress Sisi of Austria. The Winterhalter Museum Menzenschwand documents the rise of the peasant's son to court painter.
Winterhalter Museum Menzenschwand: Getting there with the Hochschwarzwald-Card
Hotel guests with the Hochschwarzwald Card receive a discount at the Winterhalter Museum in Menzenschwand. The journey from the hotel takes 35 minutes via the B500. With the KONUS guest card, hotel guests can also travel free of charge by bus and train to the Winterhalter Museum in Menzenschwand.



