Curious to know which place was once the seat of the Counts of Schauenburg? That would be the Wohldorfer Herrenhaus. This charming building has a history stretching back 300 years. The Wohldorfer Herrenhaus stands before you. It is more than just a pretty building. It is a window into Hamburg’s past.
Once upon a time, Burg Wohldorf stood here. Later, two manor houses were built on the ruins in 1440 and 1489. The current Wohldorfer Herrenhaus was constructed between 1712 and 1713. It was commissioned by the Hamburg Council. It served as the official seat for the “Waldherren”. These were senators in charge of managing the Walddörfer or forest villages.
Later, the Wohldorfer Herrenhaus became a “Lusthaus”. This translates to a pleasure house. It provided a place of recreation for top officials. The listed building has been remodeled inside several times. However, its exterior remains almost original. Old photographs and drawings confirm this.
Approaching from Herrenhausallee and walking along the Auewanderweg towards the Wohldorfer Wald, you get a lovely view of the estate. The Wohldorfer Herrenhaus sits on a small island surrounded by a moat. Nature lovers can appreciate the charm of a centuries-old cultural landscape here. Wohldorf-Ohlstedt, especially old Wohldorf, is one of Hamburg’s most idyllic districts. It has many preserved historical buildings that still characterize the small settlement.
The Herrenhausallee at the Mühlen pond with its restaurants is an ideal starting point. You can take a hike through the Wohldorfer Wald, which connects Wohldorf and Ohlstedt. From there, the Wohldorfer Kornmühle, the Landarbeiterhäuser, the Kupfermühle, and the Wohldorfer Herrenhaus are within walking distance.
The Wohldorfer Herrenhaus has a varied history. During the French occupation in 1811, the house was leased to merchant Paul Trummer. This happened after the furniture and inventory were sold off. Trummer maintained the house for five years. In 1816, he asked the Senate to terminate his contract. The Senate agreed a year later. In 1818, Senator Jenisch noted that the Wohldorfer Herrenhaus was available to the Waldherren again. In 1820, it was refurnished. Johann Heinrich Bartels, then a Waldherr and later Mayor of Hamburg, found the house to be a most pleasant place to stay.
After the French withdrew, the old order was initially restored. However, criticism grew. This criticism targeted the special status of ecclesiastical properties. It also criticized the resulting fragmentation of the territories. After years of negotiations, a reorganization of the Hamburg countryside came into effect between 1830 and 1835.
As a result, the Wohldorfer Herrenhaus lost its official significance. However, its furnishings and maintenance continued at state expense. In 1832, some structural changes were made. Senate and treasury members had found another use for the house. It would serve as their summer residence. For 27 years, from 1898 to 1924, the Wohldorfer Herrenhaus served as a summer retreat for top administrative officials. It was not used in winter. During World War I, it could not be properly maintained.
During the Nazi era, it served the Nazi elite. After the war, it was somewhat forgotten. From 1962, there were considerations to protect the house. The idea was to restore it in the old style and make it accessible to the public. Alfred Toepfer initiated this. He was in contact with Herbert Weichmann, then Mayor of Hamburg.
In the following years, the house became a cultural center. Astrid Lindgren stayed at the Wohldorfer Herrenhaus. In 1987, her 80th birthday was celebrated there. In 1996, Günther Sawitsch bought the Wohldorfer Herrenhaus. He and his wife renovated it extensively.
Today, the Wohldorfer Herrenhaus stands as a testament to Hamburg’s rich history. It reminds us of the senators, mayors, writers, and everyday people who shaped this beautiful city. Take a moment to appreciate the stories that these walls hold.