Schloss Hünnefeld

Schloss Hünnefeld is a historic moated castle located in Bad Essen, Lower Saxony, Germany. The castle was first mentioned in 1146 and has been owned by the von dem Bussche family since 1447. The current castle structure was built between 1610 and 1614 as a three-winged complex. The architecture blends early Baroque elements with remnants of older structures. The castle is surrounded by a double moat and includes a late medieval round tower, a dovecote, and a park redesigned in 1840 as an English landscape garden. The park features an orangery and connects to the castle via a terrace and bridge. A museum in the north wing is open to visitors, and the grounds host annual cultural events. The castle remains partly residential, with the von dem Bussche-Hünnefeld family still living there. The castle's café offers delicious baked goods and a peaceful atmosphere, making it a great place to relax and enjoy nature walks