Neuhof

Neuhof is an estate in the Große-Linden area that sits on a hill surrounded by fields, orchards, and woodland. The property covers roughly 105 hectares and maintains protected monument status, with the Schafbach stream running nearby through the landscape.

The estate was founded in 1230 as a monastic farm for Augustinians from Kloster Schiffenberg and received its first documented mention in 1237 during a grazing dispute. Over the centuries it evolved from a simple farm into a place of scientific importance.

The estate became a research hub when Arnold Scheibe established the Plant Breeding and Biology Department of the Max Planck Institute here in 1948. Visitors can still sense the connection between scientific work and the rural character of the place.

The grounds can be reached via marked pathways from Leihgestern and offer opportunities to explore the wide landscape on foot. Wear sturdy shoes since the paths go through varying terrain, and weather can change quickly in rural areas.

In the early 1800s, the estate hosted gatherings with notable people, including meetings between Maximiliane von Oriola and chemist Justus Liebig. These visits brought together rural life with the scientific and cultural discussions of the era.