The Harpstedter Burggraben and the Amtshof are two historically and culturally significant places in Harpstedt, Lower Saxony. The Amtshof, an imposing half-timbered building from the 18th century, once served as the seat of the administration and is now the town hall of the Harpstedt collective municipality. The three-winged building was built between 1741 and 1744 on the foundations of a former moat castle that was destroyed in a fire around 1740. The building was extensively restored in the 1980s and has been shining in new splendor ever since.
The surrounding moat, also called the Graft, is a remnant of the old moat castle and almost completely surrounds the Amtshof. The moat is about 450 meters long and was desilted in 2021, which means its maximum depth is now about two meters. The moat is home to a variety of fish species, including bream, eel, pike and zander, and offers an idyllic setting for walks and relaxation.
Particularly worth mentioning is the so-called wedding bridge, which leads over the moat. This bridge was closed due to mold and was reconstructed between 2021 and 2022. It is a popular place for wedding photos and symbolizes the romantic atmosphere of the place.
The Amtshof and the moat are not only historical sites, but also popular excursion destinations in the Wildeshauser Geest Nature Park. The extensive park invites you to take relaxing walks and offers an impressive backdrop with old trees and well-kept green spaces.