Gut Zernikow

About the museum

Gut Zernikow gained special significance in 1740, when Frederick II gave it to his private chamberlain Michael Gabriel Fredersdorff. Fredersdorff made the estate flourish and promoted silk production: as early as 1747 there were around 8,000 mulberry trees. His wife Caroline was the grandmother of Achim von Arnim, who spent part of his youth in Zernikow and wrote his first novel here. The von Arnim family remained the lords of the manor until World War II.

The Initiative Zernikow e. V. was founded on August 17, 1992, by Achim von Arnim (1931–1997), the eldest son of the last manorial family, and other supporters. Today the complex mainly belongs to AQUA Zehdenick, which restores it in accordance with heritage protection requirements; further shares are held by the Amt Gransee (administrative association) and the municipality of Großwoltersdorf. Several businesses and associations operate on the manor farm, including a crêperie, holiday apartments, a textile studio and a seed workshop.

In the manor house, the initiative shows two permanent exhibitions: one on the childhood and youth of Achim von Arnim, and a small display on silk production as it was practiced in Zernikow in the mid-18th century. The tour also includes the mulberry avenue, with trees up to 280 years old in places, and the nearby fieldstone church from the 13th century.

Highlights

• Permanent exhibition on the childhood and youth of Achim von Arnim
• Exhibition "Vom Maulbeerbaum zur Seide" on silk production
• Mulberry avenue with trees up to 280 years old in places
• Fieldstone church from the 13th century
• Mulberry Festival and Knights' Festival

Permanent exhibitions

• Der junge Achim von Arnim – Life stations from the childhood and youth of Achim von Arnim and his connection to Zernikow.
• Vom Maulbeerbaum zur Seide – Small exhibition on silk production in Zernikow in the mid-18th century and on the work of silkworms.

Operated by

Initiative Zernikow e. V. (Ausstellungen); Eigentümerin der Anlage: AQUA Zehdenick GmbH

Admission & discounts

Admission applies to the exhibitions in the manor house. Guided tours of the grounds cost extra (see the visit notes).

Accessibility

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide

The manor farm is free of cars and scooters; children can play there and stroke the two donkeys. The Spurensuche (a scavenger hunt with short texts on the history of the buildings) is freely accessible at all times. The silk exhibition is aimed at adults and children.

Getting there & parking

By car from Berlin via the B 96 and Gransee (16 km), from the north via Fürstenberg/Havel (13 km), or from the west via Rheinsberg (18 km). The long-distance cycle route Berlin–Copenhagen runs about 8 km to the east.

Amenities & dining

• Café

Crêperie "Bric à Brac" in the former sheep barn, open on weekends from early May to early October (galettes, crêpes, coffee and cake). Holiday apartments and rooms on the manor farm.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Weddings / ceremonies

Up to 50 guests.

The historic garden hall in the manor house serves as the wedding room of the Gransee registry office (up to 50 guests); dates are arranged with the registry office and the Bric à Brac. Rooms are also offered for celebrations, seminars, rehearsals and meetings.

Plan your visit