A medieval castle that was first mentioned in a document as early as 1170 is the nucleus of Rheda Castle. In its history, the castle has changed hands several times. It was built by Widukind von Rheda, who passed it on to the Lippe nobility. In 1365, the castle was inherited by Count Otto von Tecklenburg. From the beginning of the 17th century, the castle was developed into a princely residence by the House of Bentheim-Tecklenburg.
The wing buildings are magnificent elements of the Weser Renaissance and the Westphalian Baroque. The wing buildings are connected by the medieval defence towers. The castle chapel is outstanding, representing a unique interpenetration of fortified, residential and sacred space. In its conception and sophistication, the castle chapel is an important testimony to late Romanesque architecture. Unique in Europe is the sequence of wallpapers in the castle's "wallpaper room". The ornate Biedermeier wallpapers produced by Zuber & Cie in Rixheim can still be admired in their original places. Various historic carriages are on display in the castle's carriage museum. From Landauers to children's carriages, carefully maintained examples can be admired here.
Take some time to discover the castle's garden. It was reconstructed for the State Garden Show according to plans from the 19th century. The garden is beautifully framed by the Ems, the castle meadows and the Flora Westfalica park.
A medieval castle that was first mentioned in a document as early as 1170 is the nucleus of Rheda Castle. In its history, the castle changed hands several times. The castle was built by Widukind von Rheda, who handed it over to the noble lords of Lippe. In 1365, the castle was inherited by Count Otto von Tecklenburg. From the beginning of the 17th century, the castle was developed into a princely residence by the House of Bentheim-Tecklenburg. The castle is still used as a residence by the family of the Prince of Bentheim-Tecklenburg and parts of it are open to the public as a museum.
The rooms of the castle can only be visited as part of a guided tour.
Public tours take place on Sundays at 2 pm from March to October. Due to Corona, registration is currently required at 05242 94710. The number of places is limited.
For groups of 10 or more, however, the castle tour can be booked at any time. The tour starts at the café in the garden house opposite the Orangery. There are two options:
Die Außenanlagen sind jederzeit frei zugänglich.
Children over 6 years of age, students and disabled persons with valid ID are entitled to reduced admission.
Duration: 60 minutes
Children over 6 years, students and disabled persons with valid ID are entitled to reduced admission.
Duration: 90 minutes
Children over 6 years, students and disabled persons with valid ID are entitled to reduced admission.