Clemenswerth Palace

Clemenswerth Palace in Sögel, in the Emsland region of northwest Lower Saxony, is a Rococo hunting lodge laid out like a star. A central main pavilion is surrounded by eight smaller pavilions, with a monastery garden, a gazebo and a large park around them. It is one of the most complete baroque ensembles in the region and a good pick if you like palaces away from the crowds. Today it houses the Emsland Museum.

Why it is special

The lodge was built between 1737 and 1747 for Clemens August of Bavaria, Prince-Bishop of Münster, to plans by the architect Johann Conrad Schlaun. The complex has nine buildings in total. In 1741 the prince invited Capuchin monks to settle at Clemenswerth, so a small monastery belongs to the original concept. The Dukes of Arenberg acquired the estate in 1803, and a local district bought it in 1967/68. The museum was founded in 1972 and has grown to roughly 55,000 visitors a year. The historic grounds cover about 70 hectares, with a beech forest laid out in a hunting star, three connected ponds and a baroque cloister garden.

What to see

The red brick pavilions with light sandstone trim are the signature look. Inside, rotating exhibitions run, currently including one on insects and one on the baroque portrait. Outside, walk the axis to the gazebo, the Gloriette, and stroll through the garden. Allow half a day for the museum and park together.

Tickets and opening hours

As of October 2026 the museum website lists Tuesday to Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., closed Mondays, until the beginning of November. After that, it opens only Friday to Sunday until mid-December. The exact dates differ between two pages on the site (6 November to 13 December versus 4 November to 14 December), so confirm before you go. Admission is 8 euros for adults and 4 euros reduced. A family ticket for two adults with children is 18 euros. Guided tours start at 30 euros plus admission. Tours in English are not mentioned on the site, so ask the museum if you need one.

Getting there

Take a Deutsche Bahn train to Meppen or Lathen, then a regular bus or the Emsland leisure bus "samson" to Sögel bus station, as the museum recommends. By car, use the address "Sögel, Clemenswerth 2". The visitor car park reached from Werlter Straße is free and has an electric-car charging station. Check connections with Deutsche Bahn before you plan a day trip without a car.

Accessibility and dogs

The site is largely step-free, with ramps at the entrance, but upper floors are not accessible. Dogs are not allowed in the museum but are welcome on a leash in the grounds.