Wentorf near Hamburg: Architecture, Art and Walking Trails

In Wentorf near Hamburg, listed architecture, contemporary art and designated walking areas come together. The manor house on Golfstraße adds a historic touch with its preserved interiors; the Woods Art Institute is dedicated to changing exhibitions and a sculpture park. The municipality also offers cultural activities and opportunities for hiking, cycling and horseback riding. This lets you plan your trip around the interests that matter most to you.

The manor house and its history

The listed manor house at Golfstraße 5 was built between 1914 and 1921 in the English country-house style, based on designs by August Ott and William Rzekonski. It is part of the former Weltevreden estate complex. It stands at the highest point of the banks of the Bille in the northern part of the park. A lawn adjoins it to the west, while trees line the other sides. Historic details have also been preserved inside, including stucco ceilings, wooden coffered ceilings, Delft tiles, and leaded-glass doors and windows.

Since 2018, the manor house has been home to event and seminar rooms for the Woods Art Institute. This brings historic architecture and a contemporary art program together in Wentorf. If you are interested in architectural styles, the English country-house style and the various preserved ceiling designs offer specific details to look out for as you explore.

Exhibitions, sculpture park and culture

The Woods Art Institute brings contemporary art, listed buildings and an extensive park landscape together. The WAI Galleries present changing exhibitions across 2,300 square meters. Works on display include painting, sculpture, installation, video art, performance and photography. The Reinking Collection alternates with changing solo exhibitions in the central exhibition building; the grounds also include a sculpture garden and a historic arboretum. With its paths, terraced levels and mature trees, the sculpture park invites you to stroll through the historic parkland. In addition to its exhibition program, WAI offers art classes.

For your visit, note that the Woods Art Institute can only be visited as part of a guided tour; tickets can be booked through its website. Check the booking conditions before you travel. Beyond WAI, the municipality’s public cultural program includes music, theater, exhibitions, readings and festivals. The municipality lists the Alte Schule community center and a municipal library as cultural facilities.

The municipal archive is open to anyone wishing to conduct research in academic, local-history or genealogical subjects; a prior arrangement with the municipal archivist is required. Make arrangements before your visit. The archive also regularly organizes talks, exhibitions and excursions, usually in collaboration with the Wentorf civic association. Its publications on regional history include Wentorf – The Local History Book, a history of Wentorf’s villa districts and a history of Wentorf-Süd.

Walks and outdoor activities

The municipality lists hiking, cycling and horseback riding among the local recreational activities. Areas considered suitable for walks include Lohe, Bergedorf Woods, the ravines of Hohler Grund and new green corridors on the former barracks grounds. You can choose between a walk in the countryside, a stroll through the sculpture park and other local leisure activities, each offering a different focus. These designated walking areas provide guidance, but do not indicate specific route lengths or walking times.

The Mühlenteich pond and getting there

The Mühlenteich pond connects the towns of Reinbek and Wentorf; the Stormarn and Duchy of Lauenburg districts also meet here. From Hamburg, you can reach Funkelplatz by the Mühlenteich on the S21 to Reinbek station, followed by a three-minute walk. Check current connections before you set off.

Regional perspective: Duchy of Lauenburg

Across the wider travel destination of the Duchy of Lauenburg, 26 percent of the district is forest, and it has 48 lakes. The district is also home to Sachsenwald, the largest contiguous forest area in Schleswig-Holstein. The Lauenburg Lakes Nature Park lies in the heart of the Duchy. It offers hiking trails, observation towers, nature trails and places to rest; there are also four signposted cycling routes. This regional perspective complements the local cultural activities and walking areas with a distinct range of nature and cycling options in the Duchy of Lauenburg.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Müssen, Roseburg, Krummesse, Krukow, Schönberg, Schwarzenbek-Land, Salem, Wohltorf.

Return to the regional travel overview: Duchy of Lauenburg.