Brake Castle was extended from 1584 as the residence of the Counts of Lippe in the Renaissance style.
It is surrounded by a moat and stands on the foundations of one of the largest medieval castles in northern Germany. The striking tower makes it a landmark of the old Hanseatic town of Lemgo that can be seen from afar. The buildings in the immediate vicinity of the castle still convey an impressive image of an early modern residence, including the domain, three historic mills and a wash house.
The Renaissance castle was built by Count Simon VI zur Lippe (1554-1613).
As an envoy, court councillor and art agent to Emperor Rudolf II, he often spent time at the court in Prague and in the Netherlands. Simon represented the type of educated Renaissance prince who was interested in art and science. He owned a collection of paintings and an extensive library. He observed the stars from his castle tower.
The current shape of the castle is the result of changes and renovations. In the 19th century, the west wing was demolished, the castle's inventory was auctioned off and a princely model brewery was set up in the east wing.
Brake Castle had been the seat of the Lemgo district administration since 1932 and was taken over by the Lippe state association in 1973. The Weser Renaissance Museum was established in one part in 1986.
Good to know
Openings
Price info
€ 3,- for adults
€ 2,- for students, unemployed and severely disabled persons
Free admission for children and young people up to the age of 18
Special exhibition (only in combination with the permanent exhibition):
€ 6,- per person
Children and young people up to 18 years free!
Pupils in a class group and educators or teachers free
Discounts
Family ticket (2 adults and children under 18 years):
€ 6,- per family
Experience tours:
- One-hour adventure tour: 33 euros + 2 euros admission per person
- Two-hour adventure tour: 66 euros + 2 euros per person
- School classes between 2 and 4 euros per pupil, depending on the program. Teachers are free!
Depending on the program, there is an additional charge of 2 euros per person for materials for hands-on guided tours.
Children's birthday parties:
- One-hour children's birthday parties: 33 euros + 2 euros admission per person
- Two-hour children's birthday parties: 66 euros + 2 euros admission per person
Birthday child free!
For children's birthday parties, there is an additional charge of 2 euros per person for materials for hands-on and take-away adventure tours.
Members of the Freundeskreis and ICOM: free
General Information
Parking Available
Bus stop available
Eligibility
Bad Weather Offer
Suitable for any weather
for Groups
for Class
for families
for individual guests
Suitable for the Elderly
for Children of all Ages
Suitable for Pushchair
Foreign Language
Other Furnishing/Equipment
Toilet
Payment Options
Hygiene and infection safety measures
Distance control
Notice signs
Adequate ventilation
Heed the hygiene instructions
Limited access
Regular cleaning and disinfection of surfaces, door handles and handrails
Provision of dispensers with disinfectants for hand disinfection
Management of entry and exit by personnel
Directions & Parking facilities
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