Angelika Ziegler is one of the individuals who have shaped Schule Schloss Stein over (all!) these decades—not only through her dedication, but above all through her warmth, her keen insight into people, and her unwavering connection to the boarding school. This portrait in the “Stein proudly presents” series is therefore a somewhat more extensive version: it can only offer a glimpse of what Angelika “Angie” Ziegler means to Stein. Fortunately, several people share memories and experiences with her that highlight her role, her influence, and her presence across generations.
“For decades, Ms. Angelika Ziegler has had a major influence on the
positive development of the Schule Schloss Stein!
She has rendered outstanding service to the school!”
Christian von Pfuel | Stone Age 1954–1963
Even in the first few years after the school’s founding in 1948 , Angelika Ziegler had close ties to Stein. As one of the first students, she experienced the development of the boarding school firsthand and became part of a vibrant community characterized by personal initiative. Culture, theater, and community projects played a major role from the very beginning—and Angelika helped shape the unique character of boarding school life early on.
“Stein—and especially the Zieglers—have had a lasting impact on me and have really instilled in me the famous ‘Steinerspirit.’
Susanne Botschen | Stone Age 1978–1980
“When I think of my mother from my perspective as a student—after all, I spent my entire high school career at Stein—the first thing that spontaneously comes to mind is her attention to detail. The room assignments, the furnishings in each department, the curtains, the furniture, the colors, the fabrics. Everything had to be perfect. But ultimately, it wasn’t about aesthetics for her—it was about creating a stylish and happy home environment for everyone at Steiner.”
Nicolas Ziegler | Sohn, Stone Age 1981–1990
Following the untimely death of Ilse Wiskott Olaf Ziegler took over the leadership of the school together with Angelika Ziegler. For over three decades, they had a profound influence on Stein: from its educational philosophy to theater and cultural projects, school trips, and film clubs. Angelika Ziegler was always there—as an advisor, a conversation partner, an observer of everyday school life, and as a figure who remains in the memories of many students to this day. Her combination of warmth, down-to-earthness, and clear-eyed perspective made her a steadfast figure who helped shape the spirit of Stein in a lasting way.
“If someone asked me today, ‘Who has had the greatest influence on your understanding of the Steiner spirit?’, I would say: Angelika Ziegler.”
Her infinite love for this place and for the people it connects with – this love embraces us and holds us all.
I admire the clarity with which she sees, expresses and remembers things. This clarity is not always comfortable – and perhaps not always the only possible truth. But it is always truthful – and therefore so valuable.
“Coming to Stein is a bit like coming home for me—also because she’s there!”
Andreas Kurzlechner | Stone Age 1990–1995
Even after her son Sebastian Ziegler took over, Angelika Ziegler remained a constant presence in daily life at Stein. Especially in the dining hall at the dining table, she was a familiar sight and a formative figure for many students—not least because of her loving attention to table manners. Until the COVID-19 pandemic, she would take a seat in the front dining hall at every lunch, take an interest in what was going on, talk with the students, and thus remain a part of daily life at the boarding school.
To this day, she closely follows developments on the castle grounds and within the school community: curious, interested, and always keeping a watchful eye on what’s happening in Stein. Just recently, we celebrated her 90th birthday !
“It contributes to the success of the School Schloss Stein in two key phases:
Sebastian Ziegler | Son & General Manager, Steinzeit 1980–1984
“Both Zieglers always found the mavericks among the ‘Steiners’to be the most interesting. And I still think that’s great.“
Clemens von Stauffenberg | Stone Age 1972–1979
It was around 1977 or 1978, and Stein had already been in a state of upheaval for some time: On one side, a crowd of students in chic suits and ties or expensive Hermès scarves draped around their necks, adorned with pearl necklaces. On the other side, a handful of students in patched jeans and “WalleWalle” Indian dresses, shuffling toward the hard court with steaming cups of tea in hand.
“This is how Angelica became the original mother of all dentes ardui for us.”
Klaus Oberkandler | Stone Age 1962–1971
Everyone fondly remembers Angelika Ziegler, without whom Stein would not be what it is today. I’m sure that everything I’d like to write about her—all the loving, respectful, and warm-hearted things—on the occasion of her 90th birthday, others can express much better than I can. So instead, I’d like to share a little anecdote from the time when Angie returned to Stein with her husband Olaf after Ilse Wiskott’s death. Of course, we all eyed “the new girl.” The fact that she was the new boss’s wife was beside the point for us. We were, after all, the pre-’68 generation. The rebellious spirit that would later emerge was already casting a long shadow. And as Angelika confirmed to me at the 2025 Altstein reunion, our generation was anything but the cream of the crop back then. But we knew that ourselves. We were disrespectful, scorned the establishment, and demonized capitalists—without realizing that it was precisely this system that made the comfort zone of Stein possible for us.
At the time, our interest in “the new one” was limited to its appearance. The pros and cons were weighed up (“very pretty, but quite small”). The positives outweighed the negatives. And in a deadly boring Latin lesson with Heinz Lämmel, we whispered our opinions about the pros and cons of Angelika. This didn’t go unnoticed by our “rabbit father” Lämmel and he picked up on the comment of one of my cashier friends who said that Angie was a really “steep tooth”. Lämmel overheard this expression and asked whether the ancient Romans had ever used such phrases. Of course, we clueless people didn’t know the answer. But he did: Dens arduus – and immediately asked for the plural: Dentes Ardui. From then on, our new knowledge brought us closer to many a girl, whom we wanted to impress with our Latin knowledge and show how great we thought it was. So Angelika became the original mother of all dentes ardui for us.
Dear Angelika, today we smile at memories like these. I don’t think you’ve ever heard that you were our “Dens arduus,” and I hope you, too, read these lines with fond memories of that time. A personal note to conclude: With your warm, understanding, and loving nature, you’ve enriched more than just my time at Stein. Even today, it’s still something very special for me to meet you and chat with you. May it stay that way for many years to come.
In heartfelt solidarity
– Klaus Oberkandler | Stone Age 1962–1971
“It used to be ‘Dear Ms. Ziegler,’ and now it’s ‘my dearest Angie’!”
Yours, Erina Uhl | Stone Age 1977–1982
When Ilse Wiskott founded the Landschulheim Stein in October 1948, it was not only a school that came into being, but a community whose bond was to extend far beyond the years spent at school together.
A journey back in time to 1965.
The graduating classes of 2020-2024 look back on years full of challenges, solidarity and unforgettable moments. Between corona, new projects at boarding school and personal experiences, they talk about what Stein meant to them during this special time.
