The Location
The complex of buildings that makes up Neuhardenberg Castle represents a homogenous unit, in architectural terms. The understated elegance of the neoclassical buildings complements the expanse of the park, inspired by English landscape gardens. The restaurants, the hotel and the function rooms are inviting refuges that promote both relaxation and stimulating conversations.
Neuhardenberg Castle is run by the Stiftung Schloss Neuhardenberg. The foundation was established in 2001 as a subsidiary of the German Savings Banks Association and is responsible for the management of all activities at Neuhardenberg Castle.
The Castle
Neuhardenberg Castle is the central focal point of the entire estate. The castle owes its present look to the Prussian designer and architect Karl-Friedrich Schinkel, who remodelled the building in the early 19th century. On the ground floor, some of the previous, early neoclassical-baroque interior has survived and blends in unobtrusively with the design of the other rooms.
The inscription GRATIA REGIS ('Thanks to the King') can be read above the main entrance. It indicates that Frederick William III gifted the estate to his state chancellor Karl August Fürst von Hardenberg as a reward for the many services he had rendered the Prussian king. When the state chancellor moved here in 1815, the estate and village, which had hitherto been called Quilitz, were renamed to Neu-Hardenberg.
Whilst the ground floor of the castle consists mainly of impressive period rooms that offer grand settings for functions, there are several meeting rooms of various sizes equipped with state-of-the-art technology on the upper floor for conferences and seminars in elegant yet also functional surroundings.
The castle's ground floor is open to the public.
Orangerie and Brennerei
Neuhardenberg Castle's two restaurants, the Orangerie and the Restaurant Brennerei, are located to the east of the castle in four buildings arranged around a courtyard. Both names reflect the former purpose of each building; the Orangerie was once the castle's orangery, the Brennerei its distillery.
The Hotel Building
To the west of the castle, three buildings arranged around a courtyard – the estate's former outbuildings – are home to the Hotel Schloss Neuhardenberg, whose over 54 rooms of varying sizes are individually and stylishly furnished with exquisite pieces. Two further hotel suites are situated in the historical castle building.
Great Hall and Exhibition Hall
The Great Hall is primarily used for all kinds of events that are part of the foundation's cultural programme. It can also be hired for functions or conferences.
The opposite exhibition hall houses the permanent exhibition about the history of the estate and the von Hardenberg family. It is also the venue of most of the special exhibitions organised within the scope of the Stiftung Schloss Neuhardenberg foundation's arts programme.
Schinkel Church
Architecturally, the local church also belongs to the complex of buildings. It was designed in its present form by Karl Friedrich Schinkel and is an early masterpiece by this famous architect. The local parish Kirchengemeinde Neuhardenberg kindly permits the Stiftung Schloss Neuhardenberg foundation to stage some of its events there, particularly concerts.
The landscaped park
The landscaped park, which was created on the basis of designs by Peter Joseph Lenné and planted by Fürst von Pückler-Muskau and John Adey Repton, is an integral part of the castle estate and an important artistic element of the entire complex. The park is justly considered an outstanding element of the Mark Brandenburg's cultural landscape. In 2004, an independent jury voted the Neuhardenberg Castle grounds 'Germany's most beautiful park'.