Ellerhoop: Garden Culture, History and Nature

Ellerhoop brings together garden culture, local history, and opportunities for walks in the forests and the Bilsbek lowlands. The Arboretum Ellerhoop is located in the historic district of Thiensen and covers 17.3 hectares. The Münsterhof and the Ox Road provide historic points of reference, while Wiesenpark and the Bilsbek Circuit offer different ways to experience nature. When planning your trip, you can choose to focus on garden diversity, local history, or longer routes through the countryside.

Garden Diversity at the Arboretum

The arboretum combines themed gardens with seasonal floral displays, a traditional cottage garden, and a lotus pond. A collection of shrub peonies is considered the largest of its kind in Germany. The grounds also include trees and shrubs from different vegetation zones. Alongside the garden designs, the variety of plant groupings is a central feature. The arboretum also serves an educational and teaching purpose; horticultural experiences and the sharing of knowledge are equally part of its identity.

The arboretum’s main paths are wheelchair accessible. Weather conditions or maintenance work may affect access; check the condition of the paths before your visit. At the Münsterhof, the Dielen-Café serves cakes, specialty coffees, drinks, ice cream, and savory snacks. Opening times are seasonal and may change; if you plan to visit the café, check its opening arrangements in advance.

Traces of History

The historic Münsterhof is located within the arboretum and is the only surviving witness to Ellerhoop’s original settlement core. This settlement core was in Thiensen and was first documented in 1349. Ellerhoop also lies on the Ox Road, considered the oldest military road in the state. An Ox Road route between Himmelmoor and the Arboretum Ellerhoop highlights the region’s natural and historical significance.

Wiesenpark and the Bilsbek Circuit

Wiesenpark adds a different focus to the gardens: it provides a refuge for endangered plants and animals that were once typical of local meadows. Numerous insect species can also be discovered there.

The forests near Ellerhoop and the Bilsbek lowlands invite visitors to enjoy longer walks. The Bilsbek Circuit starts and ends in Ellerhoop and passes through the Rantzau State Forest, Kummerfelder Gehege, and Borsteler Wohld. If you are choosing between the nature experiences, Wiesenpark focuses on former meadow habitats and insects, while the circuit passes through three named woodland areas.

More Places to Explore in the Wider Pinneberg Destination

The wider Pinneberg destination includes other distinct nature and cultural sites. Pinneberger Fahlt is a forest area and local recreation area in Pinneberg City Forest, used for walking, jogging, and sports activities. Pinneberg Tree Park brings together 26 “Trees of the Year.” The idea originated as part of the International Garden Show igs Hamburg 2013, in the Pinneberger Baumschulland exhibition area. The Drostei is the cultural center of Pinneberg District and hosts exhibitions, concerts, and literary events. The Pinneberg Tree Nursery Museum is the only museum in the German-speaking region dedicated to the tree nursery industry.

Discover more destinations: Bönningstedt, Seeth-Ekholt, Heede, Haselau, Schenefeld, Borstel-Hohenraden, Quickborn, Groß Nordende

Back to the wider travel overview: Pinneberg.