...where Emperors and Kings went hunting

The former Guelph and later Prussian hunting lodge, Jagdschloss Springe, is situated approx. 25 km south-westerly from Hanover at the northern edge of the Saupark Springe (wild boar park). Since the middle of the 15th century, the county of Hallermunt belonged to the Guelph Principality of Calenberg.
In 1692, the Duchy of Calenberg advanced to be an Electorate having its main seat in Hanover, thereby making the surrounding forests exclusive Hanoverian property and the forests around Springe the hunting grounds of the Hanoverian and English Kings. After the battle of Langensalza in 1866, the Kingdom Hanover became a Prussian province and with it, the hunting lodge became the setting for imperial hunting.

Erecting the 16.3 km long wall around the wild boar park began in 1836, and 2 years later, orders were issued to convert the Hunting Lodge with outbuildings to a ”Pied-à-terre for the nobility“. With the Prussians taking over the traditional courtly hunting, the diplomatic importance of such events was significantly increased.

Further extensions to the buildings were made between 1875 and 1912. In 1965, the castle was entrusted to the custody of the relevant forest administration and has since housed the ”Museum for Nature - Hunting - Culture“. The ground floor displays the mural paintings of animal painter Fritz Laube and diorama on the life and habitat of the native fauna as well as giving an impressive overview of hunting history.

After substantial restoration works from 1988 to 1993 and 1999/2000, the rooms of the ground floor of the Hunting Lodge are as good as new and impress the visitor with their intricate mural and ceiling paintings offering not only information, but also being available for cultural and private events.

Opening Hours:
Tue–Sun
November–March 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
April– October 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

Fees:
Adults € 3.00
Children (3–14), pupils, school classes € 1.50
Guided tour (– 25 pers.) € 30.00
Prior arrangement required for tour.

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