Ellerhoop: Arboretum, Meadow Park and History

Ellerhoop brings together garden themes, meadow landscapes and local history. The Ellerhoop Arboretum features landscaped grounds and seasonal blooms, while the Meadow Park, the Bilsbek lowlands and woodland areas offer different natural highlights. There are also traces of the original settlement centre and the historic Ox Road. You can tailor your stay to suit your interests in plant diversity, walks, wildlife observation or history.

Garden Variety at the Ellerhoop Arboretum

The Ellerhoop Arboretum covers 17.3 hectares in the historic district of Thiensen. Themed gardens, seasonal blooms, a traditional cottage garden and a lotus pond each create a distinctive atmosphere. A particular highlight is the collection of tree peonies, considered the largest of its kind in Germany. The arboretum also features trees and shrubs from different vegetation zones. Landscaped garden spaces, seasonal blooms and woody plants from different vegetation zones offer a range of perspectives on the grounds.

The arboretum also has an educational and teaching role. This adds an educational focus to the gardens: the themed displays and plant collections provide different ways to explore plant diversity and vegetation zones.

Local History and the Ox Road

The historic Münsterhof is located within the arboretum. It is the only surviving remnant of Ellerhoop’s original settlement centre, which was in Thiensen and was first mentioned in an official document in 1349. Alongside the landscaped gardens, it provides a tangible link to the village’s early settlement history.

Ellerhoop lies on the Ox Road, regarded as the oldest military road in the state. A route along the Ox Road between Himmelmoor and the Ellerhoop Arboretum also highlights the natural and historical significance of the region. This brings together two distinct historical perspectives: the origins of the settlement centre and the importance of the Ox Road.

Walks and Wildlife Observation

The woodlands near Ellerhoop and the Bilsbek lowlands invite you to enjoy extended walks. The Bilsbek Loop starts and ends in Ellerhoop and passes through the Rantzau State Forest, Kummerfelder Gehege and Borsteler Wohld. You can choose between walks in the woodland and lowlands or a named route that passes through three woodland areas.

The Meadow Park offers a different natural highlight. It is a refuge for endangered plants and animals that were once typical of local meadows. You can also spot numerous insects there. The focus here is on habitats and species, setting it apart from the arboretum’s carefully designed garden displays.

Practical Information and Finding Accommodation

The main paths in the arboretum are wheelchair accessible. Weather or maintenance work may affect their condition, so check the latest path conditions before your visit. The Dielen Café in the Münsterhof serves cake, specialty coffees, drinks, ice cream and savoury snacks. Seasonal opening hours may change, so check the current hours before visiting the café.

Consider what you would like your stay to focus on, then choose accommodation to suit your personal requirements.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Westerhorn, Kölln-Reisiek, Appen, Haseldorf, Langeln, Barmstedt, Moorrege, Tornesch.

Return to the main travel guide: Pinneberg.