The Erbhof is an old manor house in the style of the Weser Renaissance.
The Erbhof Palace is also home to the tourist information office of the joint municipality of Thedinghausen.
The Erbhof, which is often referred to as a palace today, was built between 1619 and 1624 by Archbishop Johann Friedrich - then sovereign of the Archbishopric of Bremen and therefore also of the Thedinghausen district - for his mistress, the young widow of the archbishop's Drosten von Hermeling, Gertrud von Hermeling-Heimbruch. The magnificent building in the style of the late Weser Renaissance is made of red bricks with white mortar joints. The ornamental forms are decorated with yellow sandstone. Windows, door arches, tower gables and ornamental columns are well-proportioned and artistically designed.
The hereditary estate had many owners after Gertrud von Hermeling-Heimbruch, who died just two years after the magnificent building was inaugurated. The joint municipality of Thedinghausen has owned this architectural and cultural-historical gem since 1999. In recent years, the Erbhof has been extensively renovated. In the process, the Renaissance hall with its painted wooden ceiling, colorful tiled floor, sandstone fireplace and hand-carved window frames was restored to its original state.
The Renaissance architectural style from the 16th to 17th centuries is particularly distinctive in the Weser region. The Erbhof is considered a showpiece of this building culture.
The author Christian Kamman has researched the history of this Lower Saxon manor house and princely Bremen women's castle from the 16th century to the present day and recorded it in a book (published in 2023).
A variety of art and cultural events take place on the Erbhof site.
There is also a permanent exhibition about the Erbhof with information about the history and restoration of the building as well as original exhibits from the time it was built.
In the garden of the Erbhof is a 400-year-old yew tree. This yew tree has been declared a national heritage tree and is probably the thickest publicly accessible yew tree in Germany. The crown is approx. 21 m wide. Trunk circumference over 4.80 m, height approx. 14 m.
Guided tours:
Public guided tours take place every 2nd Sunday of the month from 2 - 3.30 pm. Guided tours are also available for groups on desired dates.
Weddings:
It is possible to hold civil weddings and events in the 400-year-old castle. The Schloss Erbhof ensemble can be booked for concerts, readings, exhibitions and more. The hall with upscale furnishings is a very special place for your civil or free wedding ceremony and offers space for 100 people in a festive setting (information: registry office Thedinghausen, Tel. 04204-88810).
Tree park:
A tree park has been created on an area of almost 11 hectares, where around 450 deciduous tree species and varieties have been planted in more than 70 genera that are native to Germany and northern Europe, including ginkgo trees and the primeval sequoia. The tree park changes its appearance again and again according to the four seasons, sometimes sprouting flowers, sometimes growing delicate greenery, sometimes turning brightly colored leaves. The newly designed tree park with paths and an insect hotel also has a natural children's playground with a boules court and offers opportunities for picnics. The tree park is intended to provide local recreation for residents and visitors to Thedinghausen and to be available to schools and other institutions for educational purposes.
Tourist information:
- Information about cycle tours, sights and more
- Castle tours with permanent exhibition
- Guided tours of the castle and tree park
- Management of the motorhome parking area
- Room booking in Thedinghausen
- Event tickets
- Conference and seminar rooms in the castle
- Marriages in the Renaissance hall of the castle
- Local maps, postcards, souvenirs
- Boules rental
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