The chapel, one of the earliest Protestant churches in Schleswig-Holstein, was redecorated in 1717 in the baroque style under Duke Phillip Ernst (1673-1729). The pulpit altar (typical of Northern Germany) and the baptismal font are works of the woodcarver Claus Gabriel. The organ, dated 1847, was installed by the renowned firm of Marcussen of Apenrade.

 

During restorations in 1973 the original renaissance frescoes were revealed. Up to 1965 the chapel served as the official parish church. Nowadays it is still used for church services, weddings, baptisms, prayers and church music. Adjacent to the west wall of the chapel is the vault, where in 1811 a member of the family was entombed for the last time.

The draining of the artificial lake in 1962, 1969 and 2005 revealed the foundations of the Rüde monastery. Founded in 1209 by Cistercian monks, the derelict monastery was pulled down in 1583 to make way for the construction of the castle. Tools, slag from a smelting furnace, wooden water pipes and a stone from the floor heating (‘Hypokausten’ stone) testify to the high technical standard of the monastery. These exhibits can be found in the room next to the chapel.

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