HISTORY
The history of the building spans 700 years, with the most important contributions stemming from the 16th, 17th, and 19th centuries.
The castle which is situated on an island and surrounded by water was built as a moated castle by Count Adolf VI of Holstein-Schaumburg in 1302. The first documented mention of Bückeburg Palace was made during the 14th century, but it was not until 1560 that building work on the Renaissance palace complex with four wings began. Following a fire at the palace in 1732, the facades and interior were restored in an early baroque style, whilst inspiration was taken from neo-baroque and neo-rococo designs for the new wing.
The castle has been continuously occupied since its construction and some parts have been open for public viewing since 1925. Especially the Golden chamber with the famous Götterpforte (religious relic of deities) and the Great ballroom impress visitors during the guided castle tour. The elaborate golden carvings of the castle chapel are also worth seeing.
Dating back to 1893, the banqueting hall extends over two floors. With impressive dimensions of nine metres in height and 24 metres in length, the atmosphere in the hall is really rather special. It's no surprise that the aristocratic family still use the space to celebrate special occasions. The gorgeous garden boasts typical baroque features, including pergolas, fountains and a maze. The mausoleum is just a short walk away from the palace. Standing at 42 metres tall, the domed building is the world's largest tomb monument to be owned privately. And it is as magnificent as it is mysterious.
CURRENT SITUATION
Bückeburg Palace (Schloss Bückeburg) was the residence of the Princes of Schaumburg-Lippe. Although the Princely family surrendered political power in 1918, they still live there today. The palace, part of which is open to the public, is an important major tourist sight and houses important works of art and an important library.
The castle has been continuously occupied since its construction and some parts have been open for public viewing since 1925. Especially the Golden chamber with the famous Götterpforte (religious relic of deities) and the Great ballroom impress visitors during the guided castle tour. The elaborate golden carvings of the castle chapel are also worth seeing. The castle is surrounded by a well-kept English garden that invites visitors to take long walks.
You can enjoy royal coffee and the finest hot chocolate in the historical ambience of the old castle kitchen. Souvenirs and information material is available in the museum shop.
You can discover the charm of palace horsemanship at the classy Royal Riding School and enjoy a feast fit for a king at the two café restaurants.
The Princely Mausoleum in the palace grounds is open to the public as well. Built in 1915 in Neo-Romanic style and resembling the Roman Pantheon, it is the world's largest private sepulchre still in use. The cupola is adorned by an impressive gold mosaic, the second largest of its kind after the one in the Hagia Sophia.
