Discover Steinhöfel: Schlosspark and Architecture

Steinhöfel combines a significant landscaped park with a history that is also reflected in the layout of the village and its buildings. If you are interested in garden design, architecture and culture, you will find a range of starting points for planning your trip here. You can make the Schlosspark the focus of your visit, explore the history of its buildings or turn your attention to other highlights in the wider Oder-Spree travel destination.

The Schlosspark and the Historic Ensemble

The Schlosspark Steinhöfel was created from around 1790 onwards. It covers more than 40 hectares and is among the oldest and, by size, most significant landscaped parks in the Mark Brandenburg. It is also considered the first landscaped garden in the entire Mark Brandenburg to be laid out in the English style. This distinction makes it a notable part of Steinhöfel’s history.

From 1790 onwards, the von Massow family had Schloss Steinhöfel, its extensive park, the village green, the district office and several residential buildings laid out as a unified whole by architects and master builders David and Friedrich Gilly. The coordinated design brought the castle, park, village green, district office and several residential buildings together as an ensemble. Those interested in how the village developed can view the individual buildings in this context, rather than focusing on just one building.

Architectural History in the Village Church and Schlosspark

The Steinhöfel village church is a fieldstone building with plastered walls and parts dating from several different periods. The chancel was built in the second half of the 13th century, the nave in the 14th century and the tower in the 15th century; the wooden upper structure was added in 1778. The different building periods can be traced through the individual parts of the building.

Inside is an elaborately painted patron’s box, now restored. Balthasar Dietloff von Wulffen and Louise von Beerfelde donated it around 1720/30. Keys for visiting the village church are available from Brigitte Türk, Ulrich Voigt or Burkhard Schmidt. Arrange access before you travel.

The library in the Schlosspark Steinhöfel adds its own architectural accent: it is designed as a Greek temple. It was built over the cellars and foundations of two older farm buildings. Its temple form and this building context offer an interesting contrast with the older architectural history of the village church.

Routes, Art and Events

The Oderbruch Railway Cycle Route passes through Steinhöfel, as does the Märkische Castles Tour. The two names point to different possible travel interests: the cycle route suggests an active focus, while the castles tour appeals to those interested in historic estates. You can take these routes into account alongside the park, church and architecture when planning your trip.

The LandKunstLeben Steinhöfel e. V. association is based in the former castle nursery next door and organizes art events and activities there with international participants. If you would like to combine your trip with an event, check the latest dates in advance.

In 2021, Schloss Steinhöfel continued to be used as a hotel and as a venue for conferences, events, concerts, and local and regional festivals. This describes its use as of 2021; check current programs separately if an event is a deciding factor in your trip.

Steinhöfel in the Wider Oder-Spree Travel Destination

In the wider Oder-Spree travel destination, Lake Scharmützel offers a distinct water-based highlight. It covers about 1,200 hectares and is around 30 metres deep. The clear water has visibility of up to four metres and draws anglers, divers, sailors and swimmers to the region. These activities can be set alongside Steinhöfel’s focus on parks and architecture without treating the different offerings as the same.

Discover more destinations: Berkenbrück, Eisenhüttenstadt, Wiesenau, Schöneiche Bei Berlin, Brieskow-Finkenheerd, Beeskow, Wendisch Rietz, Siehdichum.

Go to the wider travel overview: Oder-Spree.