CRITICAL: Castle is CLOSED
Marienburg Castle is closed for comprehensive structural renovation until approximately 2030. The interior, courtyard, cafe, and all tours are inaccessible. The bus stop "Schloss Marienburg" is SUSPENDED. Do NOT plan a trip expecting to enter. For an equivalent royal experience, visit Schloss Bückeburg instead (fully open).
The closure is caused by severe dry rot in the roof structure—a €27.2 million renovation funded equally by federal and state governments. The iconic filming location for Amazon Prime's "Maxton Hall" is a construction site wrapped in scaffolding. You can admire the exterior from the hiking trails, but that's all.
What You CAN Do
The hiking trails around the Marienberg remain open. The Wanderparkplatz (hiker's parking) is still accessible. The exterior facade, main gate, and towers are visible—enough for an exterior selfie if you're a "Maxton Hall" fan, but set expectations: no courtyard, no interior, no cafe.
The Exterior Only
The South Facade offers the "fairy tale" view through the forest. The main gate with heraldic shields is a popular photo spot—accessible even when the courtyard is locked.
The Marienblick Trail
A circular hiking trail around the castle hill offers filtered views through trees and panoramas of the Leine Valley. Open year-round regardless of castle status.
360° Virtual Tour
The Foundation offers a browser-based tour of the interior—Rittersaal, Queen's Library, Chapel. This is currently the ONLY way to see the inside.
Schloss Bückeburg Alternative
For the "royal interior" experience, Schloss Bückeburg is fully open and offers comparable grandeur. 45 min drive from Marienburg.
The operational motto for 2026 is: "Look, but don't touch." The castle is a visual backdrop for hikers—not an immersive experience.
— €27M Renovation RealityThe Bus Stop is Suspended
The stop "Schloss Marienburg" is NOT served. If taking public transport, you must disembark at "Schulenburg/Abzw. Marienburg" and walk 1.5-2km uphill (20-25 min) to the gates. No shuttle operates during the closure. The Nordstemmen train station is 3.5km away—requires pre-booked taxi.
Quick Facts
Tips for Maxton Hall Fans
Managing expectations for the filming location pilgrimage.
Don't Plan a Full Day
Arrive by car, take photos of the gatehouse, admire the towers from the forest, and leave. Combine with a visit to Hannover (20 min away) for the rest of the day.
Expect Scaffolding
Parts of the castle are covered with scaffolding and protective tenting. The "clean" photo angle may require positioning.
Filming May Block Access
Even during construction pauses, "Maxton Hall" filming crews may isolate the perimeter. Check before visiting if crew activity is reported.
Cafe Zur Kleinen Hexe
The castle cafe is closed. Divert to this cafe in Schulenburg village for coffee and cake—it's absorbed the displaced hospitality demand.
Hike the Station Link
Walk from Nordstemmen station (designed by the same architect) up the historic avenue. 45-60 min, replicates the 19th-century arrival experience.
Visit Bückeburg Instead
If you want actual royal interiors, skip Marienburg and go to Schloss Bückeburg. Fully open, similar grandeur, no closure disappointment.