Steinhöfel reveals itself through its landscape park and the architectural history of its castle and village church. The park, which covers more than 40 hectares, and the uniform layout of the village, created from 1790 onward, give the place a clear historical focus. The village church, by contrast, displays building phases spanning several centuries. Two named routes that pass through Steinhöfel are also relevant when planning your trip. If you plan to visit the church, arrange your visit before you arrive: keys are available from Brigitte Türk, Ulrich Voigt or Burkhard Schmidt.
Castle Park and the Gilly Ensemble
Steinhöfel Castle Park was established from around 1790 onward. Covering more than 40 hectares, it is one of the oldest landscape parks in the Mark Brandenburg and, in terms of size, one of the most significant. It is also considered the first English-style landscape garden in the entire Mark Brandenburg. Its early origins and its special place in garden history are therefore both noteworthy. The park’s size makes it a subject in its own right in the history of the village, not merely an addition to the castle.
From 1790 onward, the von Massow family had Steinhöfel Castle, its extensive park, the village green, the manor house and several residential buildings laid out as a unified ensemble. The architects and master builders David and Friedrich Gilly designed it. Their coordinated plan brought the gardens and buildings together in an overarching village layout, making it possible to view the castle park and the village’s history in context.
Architectural History in the Church and Library
Steinhöfel village church is a plastered fieldstone building dating from several construction periods. The choir 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 superstructure dates from 1778. The different parts of the building make it possible to trace the church’s long construction history.
The furnishings include an elaborately painted patron’s pew, now restored. Balthasar Dietloff von Wulffen and Louise von Beerfelde commissioned it around 1720/30. Keys for visiting the village church are available from Brigitte Türk, Ulrich Voigt or Burkhard Schmidt; arrange your visit before you arrive.
The library in the castle park has a different architectural form: designed as a Greek temple, it was built over the cellars and foundations of two older farm buildings. Its temple design and older building fabric give the library a distinct place alongside the castle and village church. Together, the three buildings illustrate different aspects of the village’s history without repeating the same period or design.
Routes, Art and Events
The Oderbruchbahn Cycle Route and the Märkische Schlössertour pass through Steinhöfel. Both are separate points of reference for planning a trip, alongside the castle park and architectural history. Which one suits your stay depends on whether you want to focus on the cycle route or the castle tour.
The LandKunstLeben Steinhöfel e. V. association is based in the former castle nursery and organizes art projects and events with international participants from there. If you plan to attend an event, check the latest dates in advance.
In 2021, Steinhöfel Castle continued to be used as a hotel and as a venue for conferences, events, concerts, and local and regional festivals. This information refers to its use in 2021. Check hotel availability and event dates separately for your travel period.
Other highlights in the wider Oder-Spree destination
Other places in the wider Oder-Spree destination have their own distinctive appeal. In Bad Saarow, the approximately 1.5-kilometre-long Lesser Promenade runs along the lakeshore from the spa gardens to Fontane Park. Neuzelle offers a different perspective on garden design with its five-hectare Baroque garden, restored according to original plans from the 1758 abbey atlas and featuring Baroque pathways, water features and terraces. In Beeskow, the listed castle ensemble brings together buildings dating from 1250 to 1550; its 30-metre-high keep has an observation platform. Public guided tours of the historic old town are also offered there. Check dates before your trip.
Discover more destinations: Rauen, Friedland, Wilmersdorf, Diensdorf-Radlow, Bad Saarow, Briesen, Storkow, Madlitz-Wilmersdorf.
Return to the wider travel overview: Oder-Spree.
