Nienburg - Posthof

A document issued by the Diocese of Minden in 1025 refers to this place as "Nyge Borg" (new castle). The settlement got fortified and in 1225 it became a "civitas", when the Counts of Hoya granted the city rights. The major reason for this development was its location at a convenient ford in the Weser River, leading to multiple trade routes radiating from the location.

This building originally erected in 1561 was later used as a "relais" by the House of Thurn and Taxis. This family had a kind of monopoly in all postal services in the Holy Roman Empire.

In 1678 the House of Hanover was able to enter the service in their territories in Northern Germany. Around 1700 different "post lines" were established: Hannover-Osnabrueck-Muenster (twice weekly), Hannover-Wildeshausen- Netherlands (twice weekly). Passengers could travel Hannover-Osnabrueck-Amsterdam with the postal service.

The Posthof was not just a "relais", where the horses were changed. It as well hosted a control station, where clerks opened letters and checked the content.