Schloss Reinbek

Nestled in the heart of Reinbek in the southern part of Schleswig-Holstein, Schloss Reinbek stands as a testament to Renaissance architecture and the rich history of the region. This splendid castle, built in the 16th century, was initially one of the secondary residences of the ducal house of Schleswig-Holstein-Gottorf. Today, it serves as a vibrant cultural and artistic center, drawing visitors with its historical charm and diverse events.

The History of Schloss Reinbek

The site of Schloss Reinbek has a storied past that dates back to the 13th century when it was home to the Reinbek Monastery, a convent of Cistercian nuns. However, the monastery was dissolved in 1528 during the Reformation, and its buildings and lands were sold to the Danish King Frederick I. The turbulent period of the Count's Feud in 1534 saw the monastery plundered and burned by Lübeck troops.

In 1544, after a succession agreement, King Christian III of Denmark divided his lands, giving portions to his younger half-brothers Johann and Adolf. This division led to the creation of the Duchy of Schleswig-Holstein-Gottorf, with Adolf receiving the lands around Reinbek. Although initially infrequent in his visits, Duke Adolf eventually became a prolific builder, commissioning several castles, including Schloss Reinbek, which was constructed between 1572 and 1576.

The Era of the Gottorf Dukes

Schloss Reinbek was built to serve as a secondary residence for Duke Adolf during his travels through the Reinbek and Trittau regions. The neighboring Sachsenwald forest also made it an ideal hunting lodge. It was not a permanent residence but was maintained by a castellan and staff in the Duke's absence. The castle grounds featured additional buildings such as a distillery, brewery, barns, stables, a kitchen garden, and fish ponds. By 1646, the castle also housed the Amtmänner, who managed the administration of the Gottorf exclave.

Following Duke Adolf's death, Schloss Reinbek became a dowager residence for ducal widows, including Christine of Hesse and Augusta of Denmark. During the Thirty Years' War, the castle was occupied by Swedish and Imperial troops but remarkably escaped plundering and destruction. However, the Great Northern War in 1713 saw the Duchy of Schleswig-Holstein-Gottorf lose its territories in Schleswig to the Danish crown, reducing the castle's significance as a ducal residence.

The Danish Royal Period

In 1773, Schloss Reinbek was transferred to Danish ownership following the Treaty of Tsarskoye Selo. It continued to serve as an administrative seat, though it fell into disrepair. An 1818 report by the government architect Christian Frederik Hansen prevented its demolition, and although plans for significant modifications were not pursued, the castle was preserved in its original state.

From Prussian Rule to the 20th Century

After the German-Danish and subsequent German wars, the Duchy of Holstein became part of Prussia in 1866. Schloss Reinbek briefly served as the seat of the district administrator before being sold at auction in 1874. The new owners converted it into a hotel, a function it retained until the end of World War I. In 1919, the castle was sold to Margarete von Patow, who established a Christian retreat center. In 1939, the city of Hamburg acquired the castle, housing the Reich Institute for Forestry, later the Federal Research Institute for Forestry and Wood Management.

Schloss Reinbek survived World War II unscathed and provided temporary shelter for refugees in the post-war period. By the late 20th century, the forestry institute had relocated, and in 1972, the district of Stormarn and the city of Reinbek purchased the castle. A comprehensive restoration from 1977 to 1987 returned it to its 17th-century appearance, and it has since been open to the public.

Schloss Reinbek Today

Today, Schloss Reinbek is a bustling cultural center, hosting numerous events throughout the year. It is open for public tours from Wednesday to Sunday, 10 am to 5 pm. While the rooms are not fully furnished as a museum, visitors can view Renaissance-era furniture, paintings, and tapestries. The former kitchen rooms and the large attic, known as the Krummspanner, serve as venues for rotating exhibitions. One room in the Krummspanner houses a local history exhibit.

Schloss Reinbek is also a key venue for the Schleswig-Holstein Music Festival and the annual Kunstwerk – Werkkunst arts and crafts fair in the adjoining park. The castle's rooms are available for rent for conferences, receptions, and celebrations, and the Gottorf Room hosts weddings every Friday.

In conclusion, Schloss Reinbek is not just a historical monument but a lively hub of cultural activity. Its walls echo the rich history of the region, making it an unmissable destination for visitors to Reinbek and Schleswig-Holstein.