Visit Schloss Benrath in Dusseldorf, Germany

Just outside Düsseldorf, on a wide bend of the River Rhine, is an exquisite 18^th century palace and park where visitors can enjoy decadent baroque architecture, English gardens and over 150 acres of wandering forest paths. Known in Germany as Schloss Benrath, this preserved country estate is one of the most beautiful places of its era.

The grounds of Schloss Benrath are open free of charge. The best entry point is the Ulmenkopf, the elm promontory on the estate's northwest corner. This vantage was designed to create a view and it is stunning. The Ulmenkopf is on the main axis of the summer palace. Along this axis is the Spiegelweiher, a quarter mile long reflecting pond where swans float in and out of the palace reflection.

Tucked in the trees alongside this promenade is the remaining north wing of the old palace. A restored rose garden graces the grounds and the elegant palace is open for events like art exhibits and lectures. Behind this wing is the Schlosshof, the old estate manor of the palace administrator built in 1773. The Schlosshof is flanked by the kitchen garden. Here the estate's herb, vegetable and apothecary needs were met by raised rectangular beds situated around a fountain.

Back on the reflecting pool promenade, the visitor can stroll towards the main building of Schloss Benrath, the Corps de Logis. Completed in 1770, this was the central residence of the estate erected for the Palatine Elector Carl Theodor. Here the Elector and Electress relaxed in exquisitely decorated apartments with nature views in all directions. The pink baroque exterior is dotted with marble statues and its large windows are trimmed in white. Inside the Corps de Logis' first floor features festive rooms swathed in marble and chandeliers. In addition to the owner's apartments, four more suites provided room for plenty of guests.

On the south side of the Corps de Logis, a sweeping balcony overlooks the palace pond or Schlossweiher, a large shallow pond where cormorants, ducks and seagulls gather in flocks. An island with a weeping willow tree and a flamboyant fountain are the only break in the solitude of the pond's large surface. Today, cars drive along the estate gates where once horse pulled carriages transported the city's socialites.

The pond is flanked by the East and West Cavaliers' Houses. The cavalier's houses were used as accommodation for more guests as well as the estate's servants. An underground tunnel from the west wing connected the kitchen to the Corps de Logis. Today the East Cavaliers' House houses the Museum for European Garden Art with exhibitions of sculptures, paintings and porcelain all with horticultural themes.

The West Cavaliers' house is home to a Natural History Museum and the estate's administrative foundation. The Natural History Museum at Schloss Benrath follows regional history related to the Lower Rhine including its change of course, fishing, flora, fauna and indigenous cultures such as Neanderthal. The museum has a small planetarium and special place for children called Das Grüne Klassenzimmer, the Green Classroom. More recent additions to the exhibits include themes of conservation and environmental protection of the Rhine River region.

The grounds of Schloss Benrath are filled with gardens. A fruit tree garden near the Corps de Logis is planted in diagonal rows is planted with pear trees, apple trees and plum trees. The south terrace of the villa was an Orangerie where exotic plants such as lemon, orange, jasmine oleander, myrtle and pomegranate were potted in containers.

To the west of the Corps de Logis is the private garden of the Electress, a preserved French style baroque garden. Several fountains cascade along different levels flanked by exquisite flower beds. The east garden is the private garden of the Palatine Elector and designed with an English influence.

Schloss Benrath was built as a summer retreat for the Palatine Elector. The Corps de Logis, Palace and gardens were all escapes from the stress of 18^th century demands. Part of the vision included creating a wooded playland for walking, hunting and horseback riding. The wooded playland park of Schloss Benrath was designed on a square grid. Four avenues slice the park in perfect geometry from side to side and corner to corner. The main avenue starts at the Corps de Logis and ends at the River Rhine.

The avenues form a hunting axis and offer escape onto smaller walking trails and hidden playgrounds. At the center of the park, where the avenues cross, is the Jagdstern, a star-shaped hunting area surrounded by linden trees. A circular path known as the Radweg surrounds the park's center and another rambling path called the Schlangenweg or Snake's path also winds its way around the park's center.

Throughout the woods, the visitor discovers ponds, streams and an impressive array of plants and flora. Many of the ponds were designed with geometric shapes, such as the Trompet. Other features are more natural like the Schlangenback or Snake Brook which winds its way along bushes and trails. Many of the trees are centuries old. Acers, cedars, lindens and oaks rise into a high canopy with twisted branches and moss covered trunks. Everything within the forest was planted but the experience is very natural.

Themes of the English gardens carry into the park. On the southern side of the north-south axis is Lindenplatz, a rectangular stand of Dutch linden trees surrounded by mazes and gardens. On the northern side of this same axis is the Hippodrom, a long square garden with a race course shaped oval in the center for horses to trot around.

The entire park is surrounded by is surrounded by a moat-like waterway. The moat connects all of Schloss Benrath's water elements from the palace pond to the tiny Trompet. The moat widens near the Rhine into a rectangular canal called the Viereckweiher offering views across the shore of the RhineRiver. At the north west corner, the Rheinkopf or Rhine Promontory yields views of the river's wide bend as well as a direct line back through the park to the Corps de Logis.

The park and palace are all beautifully preserved under the Foundation Palace and Park Benrath. The foundation formed under the council of Düsseldorf as an independent and private organization with the intent to maintain the architectural and horticultural integrity of the estate. Schloss Benrath is host to a wide range of events year round and also offers regularly scheduled guided tours and tours on special topics. Many of the park's amenities are available for private parties of any size. No special event is necessary to enjoy all that Schloss Benrath has to offer. Just park nearby, cross the moat and step into history.