Schloss Borbeck: Visiting Essen’s Historic Palace

Schloß Borbeck is a historic palace whose origins reach back to a water castle of the 13th century. Its history is closely connected to Essen Abbey and the development of Essen.

The site’s permanent historical exhibition, “Schloß Borbeck und die FürstÄbtissinnen,” focuses on the palace and the women who governed the Essen territory. It occupies about 200 square metres, offering a focused way to connect the building with the wider history of the region.

The 42-hectare Schlosspark combines open lawns, woodland, walking paths and a pond fed by the Schloßbach. The park has been open to the public without restriction since the City of Essen acquired the estate in 1941, and it has been protected as a historic monument since 2012.

The landscape reflects more than one design period. In the 18th century, the garden was laid out in an English-Chinese style, while straight paths leading towards the palace retain elements of a baroque garden.

For families, the Schloßwiese has a playground with water features, and another playground is near Residenzaue and Dubois Arena. If you’re comparing green spaces across the city, the guide to parks in Essen, from city green spaces to day-out destinations puts the palace park in context.

Schloss Borbeck serves as a cultural and educational venue as well as a historic site. Its programme can include concerts, exhibitions, seminars, meetings and courses, and tours and events can be arranged on request.

The permanent exhibition provides a regular way to learn about the palace’s past. Guided tours of the palace and park are also available by arrangement, and visits to the exhibition outside its usual hours can be arranged in advance.

The Schlosspark costs nothing to enter. Admission to the permanent exhibition is €3 or €1.50 reduced.

Opening hours

• Tuesday to Sunday: 14:00–18:00
• Monday: closed

Last checked November 2026. Hours can change on holidays and for special events.

Hours and access arrangements can change, so check the official site before you go. You can also arrange an exhibition visit outside the regular hours or ask about a guided tour in advance.

Visit Essen describes the public transport connections: DB lines S 9 and RE 14 go to Essen-Borbeck station; from there, bus 140 continues to the stop directly by the palace.

Tram 103 also serves Schloß Borbeck, about a five-minute walk from the palace, from the Rathaus stop in central Essen. The Essen public transport guide for visitors covers the wider network.

The venue address is Schlossplatz 1, 45355 Essen. Free parking spaces are along Schloßstraße, and there is a designated disabled parking space in front of the Wirtschaftsgebäude. You may stop briefly to let passengers out near the palace, but parking there is prohibited because the area is reserved for fire-service access.

City Hotel Essen is City Hotel Essen, a hotel in Essen city centre.