Pearl of the Weser Renaissance

Schloss Erbhof is also home to the tourist information office of the joint municipality of Thedinghausen. The hereditary farm, which is often referred to as a castle today, was built between 1619 and 1624 by Archbishop Johann Friedrich - then sovereign of the Archbishopric of Bremen and thus also of the Amt of Thedinghausen - for his mistress, the young widow of the Archbishop Drosten of Hermeling, Gertrud von Hermeling-Heimbruch. The magnificent building in the style of the waning Weser Renaissance is a building made of red bricks with white mortar joints. The ornamental forms are decorated with yellow sandstone. Windows, arches, tower gables and ornamental columns are well-proportioned and artistically designed. The hereditary farm had many owners after Gertrud von Hermeling-Heimbruch, who died just two years after the inauguration of the magnificent building. Since 1999, the joint municipality of Thedinghausen has been the owner of this architectural and cultural-historical jewel. In recent years, the hereditary farm has been extensively renovated. The Renaissance hall with its painted wooden ceiling, colourful tiled floor, sandstone fireplace and hand-carved window frames was restored to its original state. The architectural style of the Renaissance from the 16th to the 17th century is particularly pronounced in the Weser region. The hereditary farm is considered the showpiece of this building culture. The author Christian Kamman has researched the history of this Lower Saxon manor and princely Bremen women's castle from the 16th century to the present day and recorded it in a book (published in 2023). Various art and cultural events take place on the Erbhof site.  In the premises of the castle there is also a permanent exhibition about the hereditary farm with information about the history and restoration of the building, as well as original exhibits from the time of construction. In the garden of the hereditary farm there is a yew tree that is over 400 years old. This yew tree has been declared a National Heritage Tree. It is probably the thickest publicly accessible yew tree in Germany. The crown is about 21 m wide. Trunk circumference over 4.80 m, height approx. 14 m. Guidances: On every 2nd Sunday of the month from 2 p.m. to 3.30 p.m. there are public guided tours. For groups, guided tours are also possible on desired dates. Marry: It is possible to get married in a civil ceremony and hold events in the 400-year-old castle. The Ensemble Schloss Erbhof can be booked for concerts, readings, exhibitions, etc. The hall with its 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: Thedinghausen registry office, Tel. 04204-88810). Tree Park: A tree park has been created on an area of almost 11 hectares, on which 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. According to the four seasons, the tree park changes its appearance again and again, sometimes flowers sprout, sometimes tender green grows, sometimes the leaves change color to bright colors. The newly designed tree park with pathways and insect hotel also has a natural children's playground with a boules court and offers opportunities for picnics. The tree park is intended to serve the residents and guests of Thedinghausen for local recreation and to be available to schools and other institutions for teaching purposes. Tourist information:Information about bike tours, sights and moreCastle tours with permanent exhibitionGuided tours of the castle and tree parkManagement of the motorhome parkAccommodation service in ThedinghausenTickets for eventsMeeting and seminar rooms in the castleWeddings in the Renaissance hall of the castleMaps, postcards, souvenirsRental of boules balls