Naturalistic planning makes this former archbishop’s residence from the 1700s a masterpiece of landscape design in the traditional English style.
On a stroll through Schoenbusch Park, note that every element of the grounds has been meticulously planned and created by a designer. From rolling hills to stands of old-growth trees and shepherds’ huts, every aspect was created by Wilhelm von Sickingen, an 18th-century German proponent of English-style gardens. In any weather, visit Schoenbusch Park to admire the transformation of the archbishops’ former deer park, which opened to the public in the 1780s and has long been a favourite of the people of Aschaffenburg, no matter their social status.
Enter through the gates and meander randomly. Pass under shady trees and climb up small artificial hills on which are occasionally perched a shepherd’s hut or even a tiny village. Go over the “Red Bridge” and the “Devil’s Bridge,” listening to the streams gurgling underneath.
Join a tour of the palace, formerly known as the Electoral Pavilion, a late 18th-century neoclassical design filled with Louis XVI-style furniture. Have lunch in the on-site restaurant and beer garden.
Get a deeper understanding of the creation of the park in the former kitchen building, which now hosts an informative exhibit. Walk slowly around the “Temple of Friendship” to admire the statuary that decorates the exterior. Relax near the small lakes, much like King Ludwig I historically did on his park visits.
Schoenbusch Park is located across the Main River from Aschaffenburg’s Old Town and its main attractions, a 25-minute bus ride from the primary train station. Get here from Schloss Johannisburg in about 20 minutes. Frankfurt’s main train station is about 90 minutes away by train or 40 minutes by car, and Frankfurt Airport is about a 30-minute drive away. There is an on-site parking lot.
The palace is open from Tuesday to Sunday during regular business hours and closes during the winter. The Park Visitor Centre has slightly shorter hours and can be entered only with a ticket to the palace. Tours of the palace happen every hour on the hour, in German, and last about 20 minutes. The park itself is free and open to the public year round.
