Bentheim Castle

Bentheim Castle (Burg Bentheim) is a medieval hilltop fortress in Bad Bentheim, Lower Saxony. First mentioned in the 11th century as Binithem, it sits on a sandstone ridge that provided both building material and strategic advantage.

Originally a wooden fort, it was destroyed in 1116 and later rebuilt in stone by Otto von Salm. The castle passed through several noble families, including the Counts of Holland and later the Counts of Bentheim.

In the 16th century, Count Arnold II embraced the Reformation. The castle suffered heavy damage in the Thirty Years' War and again during the Seven Years' War. In 1795, it was used as a field hospital and burned by French forces.

Still owned by the Prince of Bentheim-Steinfurt, the castle is partly used as a residence and also operates as a museum open to visitors.

Address
Schloßstraße 0, Bad Bentheim, Germany

Established
12th century