Marienburg Castle

ATTENTION: Due to extensive renovation work, the interior and exterior of Marienburg Castle are temporarily not accessible!

Marienburg Castle was not only a place of longing for Queen Marie of Hannover. Even today, the castle, which King George V gave to his wife Marie as a birthday present and which was furnished "according to the pleasure and wishes of our dear wife [...] and according to comfort "*, is still a delight with its almost completely preserved furnishings and fairytale appearance. Although it was not inhabited for long, the queen's love for her El Dorado, as she called the castle, can be seen in every corner. The changeful history of Marie, Georg and their three children, which ended in exile in Austria, also makes this outstanding historical monument a very special place.

Castle tours

The castle can be visited all year round and offers a variety of themed tours in addition to the castle tour on your own. The ascent to the 40-metre-high castle tower provides a unique view of the Calenberger Land. On a clear day even Hannover can be easily seen on the horizon.

In summer, the romantic inner courtyard, lined with roses and geraniums, transforms into the perfect backdrop for open-air events. Whether classical music, marching bands or cabaret, the colourful programme offers something for everyone.

Please note: Castle tours are currently not bookable because the museum wing is being renovated (as of September 8, 2023).

History of origins

The construction of Marienburg Castle, which is now located in the Pattensen area (Hannover region), is associated with a touching history: In 1857, the blind King George V, the last King of Hannover, gave his wife, Queen Marie of Hannover, the Marienberg, named after her from then on, and the castle still to be built, as a birthday present. The castle named after her was originally intended as a summer residence. Thus it was conceived from a romantic attitude to life: A fairytale castle built on a hill, with towers, castle chapel and specially created furniture and imaginatively painted vaults.
The architects Conrad Wilhelm Hase and Edwin Oppler finally built the castle in the neo-Gothic style between 1857 and 1867. The construction was not yet completely finished when the Kingdom of Hannover lost the war against the Prussians in 1867. Queen Marie was forced to move with her royal household from Herrenhausen Castle to Marienburg Castle, her private residence. Due to the continuing political unrest, Queen Marie followed her husband into exile in Austria in 1867. They never returned to Hannover.