Rheda castle

The original medieval castle on this site first mentioned in documents in 1170. The castle complex was built by Widukind von Rheda, who passed it on to the noble lords of Lippe. From the beginning of the 17th century, the complex was enlarged and became the princely residence of the Bentheim-Tecklenburg dynasty. Members of the princely family still own the castle and the park.


The chapel tower, near the main entrance, survives from the 13th century.


The castle grounds and the castle itself are not open to the public, though you can book a group tour (https://schloss-rheda.de/fuehrungen/). Entrance to the park and the outer courtyard is free, and the half-timbered buildings there have largely retained their 18th-century appearance. As in almost all moated castles, the outer courtyard with outbuildings protected access to the upper castle.




The farm building of 1732, stables and carriage barn of 1760.


A 1780/81 half-timbered style guardhouse and chancery on the north side of the access road.


The mill and creamery were built in 1772.


In the middle of the palace gardens, laid out in 1623, is the Orangery. In 1988, the park was restored according to the 19th century plan and reflects elements of neo-Baroque garden art.


A baroque pleasure garden with trimmed walkways and hedges was opened to the public in 1842.






Getting there: parking lot 51.852306, 8.294167. The RW-Rheda train station is 1 km from the castle.