Castles straight out of fairy-tale movies can be found throughout Germany—and in particularly large numbers around Berlin. From the romantic estate of the artist couple von Arnim to the sprawling castle parks where Sudermann wrote his most famous works: Brandenburg’s castle landscape impresses with its connections to everything from literature to film production. Our tip for today fits right in here: Marquardt Castle is idyllically situated on the shores of Lake Schlänitz and is one of the quieter, lesser-known destinations in the Berlin area—which is exactly what makes it so special.
The history of the site dates back to 1313 , while the current castle in its present form was built at the end of the 19th century, between 1879 and 1880, and later expanded. Architecturally, it is modeled after the English Tudor style, which, with its turrets, battlements, and romantic silhouette, still creates an almost British-looking backdrop today. It is precisely this aesthetic that has made the castle attractive to international film productions.
Marquardt Castle became particularly well-known for its role in the film “Spencer,” in which it served as a stand-in for the British royal residence Sandringham. But that’s not all: since the late 1990s, the estate has been used for over 100 film and television productions, making it one of the most sought-after filming locations in Brandenburg. The combination of historic architecture, natural surroundings, and a certain seclusion offers ideal conditions for film crews and simultaneously makes the castle a popular spot for photographers and creative projects.
The castle is surrounded by a sprawling landscape park whose origins date back to 1795 and which was later helped to shape by, among others, the Prussian landscape architect Peter Joseph Lenné. Old tree-lined avenues, open meadows, and a direct view of the lake lend the grounds a peaceful, almost serene atmosphere— far removed from the hustle and bustle of the capital. Especially at sunset, impressive scenes unfold here, with the castle reflected in the water.
Over the course of its history, the castle has served various purposes , including as a manor house and, later in the GDR, as a school and boarding school. Today it is privately owned and primarily serves as an event venue and as a backdrop for film and photo productions. The interior is therefore generally not open to the public, while the grounds and park are ideal for walks and short excursions .
