Steinhöfel - Prussian memorial sites

Joachim Christian Graf von Blumenthal in Steinhöfel

The Steinhöfel estate with a castle and grounds was acquired in 1775 by the Minister of War and Finance Joachim Christian Graf von Blumenthal. He made his career in public service under Frederick II. He became President of the War and Domain Chamber in Magdeburg in 1755. The king appointed him as a minister after the Seven Years’ War (1756-63).

Count von Blumenthal acquired a two-storey manor house from its former owner. This is preserved in the basic structure of the building, which has been extended several times, and is now used as a hotel. This also included service buildings, later converted into a prestigious library. The castle grounds are still today of national importance.

The “Royal Oak”

Frederick II is said to have used the park as a resting place during the Seven Years’ War shortly before the Battle of Kunersdorf on August 12, 1759. He is said to have breakfasted together with other senior officers under the so-called “Royal Oak”, a common oak tree preserved to this day. Today, the Steinhöfel Park is open to the public. The castle is now a hotel.