Bleckede Castle

The Elbschloss Bleckede (own spelling: ElbSchloss Bleckede) in Bleckede stands on the remains of a castle, first mentioned in 1287 and built to collect the Elbe toll. The oldest part is the round tower stump from around 1500. The north wing of the current castle was built by Duke Ernst II of Braunschweig-Lüneburg in 1600 in half-timbered style, the west wing, which now houses exhibition rooms, was built around 1743 in Baroque style. Since the 16th century, the complex was the seat of the bailiff of Bleckede. The local writer Auguste von der Decken was born here in 1827. From 1885 to 1932, the Elbschloss was the seat of the administration of the district of Bleckede.

Since its extensive renovation in 2000, the castle has been the information center for the Lower Saxony Elbe Valley Biosphere Reserve as well as the local tourist information with a café and shop, offering regional products such as juices and oils, but also books, postcards, and art products. Under the motto "Experience nature on the Elbe," the castle presents a 1000 m² exhibition on three floors about the Elbe Valley, which includes an ascent of the castle tower and a visit to the Elbe fish aquarium. Various environmental education programs for kindergartens, schools, people with disabilities, and leisure activities begin in the environmental workshop.

For three decades, the "Musical Spring" festival took place in the castle courtyard. In 2008, the Elbschloss Festival - Midsummer in Bleckede started at the same festival venue. In August, a castle festival with medieval market stalls is organized, and in April, beautiful items made of glass, ceramics, and wood can be admired and purchased at the craft market in the north wing and in the castle courtyard.