Elstra Castle

A manor house was owned by the von Ponickau family from 1308 to 1622. When the castle was built is not known. In 1608, the castle was destroyed by fire and subsequently rebuilt. In 1683, ownership changed to the Lords von Knoch. It remained in family possession until 1922. In 1902, the castle burned down again and was subsequently rebuilt. In 1922, ownership changed to Heinrich von Helldorf. In 1945, the owners were dispossessed and expelled by the communists. After 1945, the castle served as a TBC sanatorium and hospital. In 1990, the hospital closed. In 1996, ownership changed to Ernst Laabs, who renovated it. Today it serves as a company headquarters.