The Brandenburg Gate, the Reichstag building with its crystal dome, the television tower at Alexanderplatz – the list of Berlin’s sights could go on forever. But let’s be honest: we see them almost every day and have probably visited them at least once. When everyday life in the big city becomes too monotonous and dull, it’s good to just get out and be impressed by the surrounding historical architecture. Brandenburg is home to numerous treasures just waiting to be discovered by you – from the oldest baroque castle in the region to the most important Gothic monastery complex in northern Germany. There is so much to discover, and today we have a very special highlight for you: just an hour outside Berlin, Boitzenburg Castle is hidden away in the Uckermark. As one of the largest and most impressive manor houses in the region, it offers an impressive history and plenty of cultural highlights.
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The complex was first mentioned in writing in 1276, but was probably built shortly after 1250. Originally, it was a fortified castle and moat complex in a strategically favorable location. In 1528, the castle became the permanent property of the noble family von Arnim, one of the oldest noble families in the Mark Brandenburg. Over the centuries, the complex has been redesigned several times – from a medieval fortification to Baroque extensions in the 18th century to Neo-Renaissance in the 19th century. Between 1740 and 1750, the three-winged lower house with a mansard roof and courtyard of honor was built. Between 1838 and 1842, the castle was redesigned in the Neo-Gothic style according to plans by Friedrich August Stüler, before later acquiring further Neo-Renaissance elements. After the Second World War, the von Arnim family was expropriated and the castle served as a recreation center for the GDR army until 1990.
Photo: Getty Images
In 1998, an investor symbolically purchased the castle for one mark and initially planned to use it as a pony and youth hotel. However , due to financial difficulties , this project could not be realized. The castle’s location is particularly impressive: it is situated on an island surrounded by water and a vast, idyllic landscape. The park is just as worth seeing as the castle itself. Designed in the English style, with ponds and avenues, it was created by Peter Joseph Lenné and is open to the public. The park also features a 19th-century temple of Apollo, which is now often used for weddings and events.
Today, the castle serves as a hotel and event venue. Guided tours are also offered, including special programs for school trips and holiday camps. Visitors can not only enjoy the impressive architecture and green surroundings, but also indulge in culinary delights: the castle complex has its own coffee roastery as well as a chocolate and ice cream factory. The coffee bean roasting process can be witnessed live, and after a walk, the cozy café invites you to linger with homemade cakes, pies, and desserts. On warm days, the in-house ice cream factory is a special highlight. The production of fine chocolate and praline creations can also be observed on site. In summer, you can also enjoy the relaxed beer garden atmosphere.
The castle is open daily from around 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. (longer in summer). Current information can be found on the official website.