The Schloss Benrath is also a place full of memories and quite elegance. The former residence of the Electors of the Pfalz, located in the southern district of Benrath in Düsseldorf, North Rhine-Westphalia. This magnificent Baroque three-winged complex was constructed between 1755 and 1771 under the orders of “Karl Theodor von der Pfalz”, designed by “Nicolas de Pigage”. Originally planned as a simple hunting lodge, the Elector eventually decided to create more than 80 rooms — a number that, from the outside, one would never suspect.
The palace is considered one of the most beautiful Baroque buildings in Germany.
What’s particularly interesting is that, although construction took nearly 20 years starting in 1755, the builder, “Karl Theodor”, never spent a single night there!
However, the palace has earned a place in history. Napoleon, who stayed there in 1811, was so impressed by the palace that he commissioned a painting – a masterpiece that still hangs in the Élysée Palace in Paris today. One might say that there isn’t only a touch of Paris in Düsseldorf, as many claim — there’s also a touch of Düsseldorf in Paris. As Düsseldorf is the pearl of fashion and elegance along the rhine river.
Since the pandemic, visitors can purchase tickets and explore the first-floor interiors of the palace independently. The rooms, which have seen little use over the past 250 years, are exceptionally well-preserved. However, the upper floors, including the “hidden” rooms, are only accessible through guided tours.
But why “hidden” rooms?
Well, the builder, Elector Theodor, was terrified of fire. He therefore had the kitchen housed in the side wing and connected it to the main castle with a tunnel. The servants now entered the castle underground, and in the narrow passageways trough doors that were not visible at first glance.
What I love most about this place is how the palace gardens come alive in summerfor example as the venue for the famous Schloss Concerts, complete with a breathtaking fireworks display. Visitors bring their own tables and chairs, enjoy
relaxed picnics on the grass around the large pond, or simply spend a quiet summer day soaking in the peaceful atmosphere of the park.
As night falls, a grand classical orchestra fills the air with music, and the garden becomes even more enchanting as hundreds of candles light up the surroundings.
These concerts are truly unforgettable and one of my favorite summer traditions in Düsseldorf.
Even in winter, the palace remains a vibrant destination. During the Christmas season, the park is transformed into a charming Christmas market, offering festive treats and traditional Düsseldorf souvenirs. All this makes the Palace not only an important part of Düsseldorf’s history, but also a meeting point for leisure and culture for young and old.
Schloss Benrath represents the city in a very special way: it combines history, culture, and nature with Düsseldorf’s elegant yet relaxed lifestyle.
Lasse Zimmermann is a member of Les Clefs d’Or Germany. This article has been published in its original form.
Europe Culture History Hotel Germany Heritage Düsseldorf Breidenbacher Hof Baroque
My name is Lasse Zimmermann and I am working as a “Les Clefs dÓr” Concierge at the Breidenbacher Hof in the beautiful city of Düsseldorf. From a young age, I was fascinated by the world of hospitality – its stories, elegance, and the many little secrets that unfold behind the scenes.
During my training on the North Sea island Sylt, I became particularly intrigued by one role within the hotel: the Concierge. It always seemed that this person knows everything, remained discreet, and carried a certain aura of mystery. That unique combination of knowledge, service culture, and trust deeply inspired me - and sparked my ambition to become a Concierge myself.
Today, I’m living that dream. I am not only the first contact person for the guests, I am also a story-teller, a listener or a city guide. That’s what makes the job so exciting. Currently I am pursuing a degree in Hotel Management alongside my job, working towards my Bachelor’s. Because in our industry, standing still is not an option – There’s always something new to learn and discover just like in my city, Düsseldorf, which is constantly evolving. New restaurants, hidden cafés, galleries and off-the-beaten-path locations are always popping up.
Stepping into the Breidenbacher Hof, you quickly realize this is more than just a hotel – it’s a place to truly arrive. Located at Königsallee 11, right between Düsseldorf’s luxury shopping street and the vibrant Old Town, the hotel offers the perfect base to explore the city’s secrets. Inside you leave behind the noise and rush of the city and enter a world of timeless elegance, warm hospitality, and rich history. For over two centuries, this iconic hotel has welcomed guests from around the world, seamlessly blending vibrant urban life with a serene retreat. Whether visiting for business or leisure, whether a delicious meal at The Duchy restaurant or a relaxing massage at the Royal Silk Spa, the Breidenbacher Hof offers a unique atmosphere where heritage and contemporary luxury meet in the heart of Düsseldorf. Thanks to its central location, Düsseldorf’s highlights like Medienhafen, Oberkassel, and Kaiserswerth are all easily accessible. But with so much comfort and luxury on-site, you might find it hard to leave. The Breidenbacher Hof is more than a hotel – it’s your home in the heart of Düsseldorf, where unforgettable moments begin and lasting memories are made.
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