The Abandoned Gingerbread Castle
I was sitting at home looking over my next list of places to visit. I usually start with what’s within distance of my home. I had the abandoned Gingerbread Castle on my bucket list of abandoned places to explore. The castle is located at 50 Gingerbread Castle Rd, Hamburg, NJ. Since we moved recently, I was only 30 minutes away. I asked my daughter if she wanted to go exploring, and after some convincing, she decided to join me.
I browsed online for images others had captured so I could anticipate the scene. The collection included exterior shots and a few interior views that revealed striking perspectives. I even contacted someone to ask how they entered covertly, but I received no reply. Understandably, they likely avoid drawing attention to trespassing.
The castle is fenced in with cameras and signs. Also, signs saying “BEWARE OF DOG.”
When we arrived, my daughter said the castle looked scary. Well, it does. You have this abandoned warehouse with busted windows, and then there is this big abandoned castle that looks like it should be a part of the Grimm’s Fairy Tales. Not to mention the big gloomy clouds that passed by when we were there.
I encountered a kind woman while I was taking photographs. She stopped her car and shared her recollection of the Gingerbread Castle. She explained that during her youth, she would visit the site and cross the street for gingerbread cookies and hot chocolate. She also remembered the town carrying the scent of gingerbread.
She mentioned that Halloween and Christmas events took place here. With a smile, she seemed content while recalling pleasant moments. We spoke briefly and agreed the site would be excellent if still operating.
Gingerbread Castle History
The Gingerbread Castle was a fairytale-themed amusement park designed in 1928 by Austrian architect and set designer Joseph Urban. F.H. Bennett, owner of the F.H. Bennett Biscuit Company in New York City, commissioned the project after purchasing the New Jersey property in 1921 to expand operations and open Wheatsworth Mills. Bennett envisioned a castle modeled after Hansel and Gretel, which opened in 1930 and drew many visitors. During the 1980s, the site began to decline, though it hosted haunted houses and other events over the years.
Several owners have promised to restore the structure. This was a cool gem to see. I hope it receives the restoration it desperately needs. It would be a great attraction to visit, and I am sure the town would welcome the scent of sweet gingerbread again.
Check out this cool video from The Unknown Cameraman!
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I used to live nearby. For a while in the early 2000s it was a nightclub called Castle After Dark. Not my scene, I never went. I don’t think they did much to make the building safe though.
I also read that too. I hope they do restore and we’re able to visit.