Blankenstein Castle, Hattingen, Germany

Blankenstein Castle was built originally in 1227-1243 by Adolf I, Count of Mark. It was further developed over the course of 200 years by the Counts of the Mark. By 1425, Blankenstein was one of the most important castles in the county. In 1614, shortly before the Thirty Years' War, it was occupied by Spanish troops. From 1637, the castle fell into disrepair so that, in September 1662, Frederick William, Elector of Brandenburg ordered its demolition. Only the tower and parts of the curtain wall remained.

In 1860, the owner of the ruin, the employer, Gustav vom Stein, began to rebuild the castle and established a factory there. The property has belonged to the city of Bochum since 1922, but the town is looking for an alternative due to the costs. From 1957 to 1959, most of the buildings of the 19th century were pulled down, but some still remain.

The tower can still be visited and offers a good view over Bochum and the Kemnader Lake.

References:

Wikipedia

User Reviews

Shashi (3 years ago)
Visit the tower in Autumn (or Herbst) The foliage colours make the view look like a painting.! They have a restaurant inside the castle, try some delicious waffles here. Service is fast and price is nominal. The decor is very in tune with the castle. I've been here multiple times and sometimes I would like to think we're they eating waffles when this castle was newly built in the year 1243CE.!

Gangalic Catalin (3 years ago)
Tldr; really great small fortress that's worth a visit. First of all, the entry is free of charge and is easily accessible even with reduced mobility thanks to the small stone bridge. Also, getting to fortress is pretty trivial from the two or the bus station. If you stop at the closest bus station geographically, be ready to go down a small hill and up some stairs. Better stop at the station closer to Hattingen and just walk through the small town to the church, then to the fortress. Inside the fortress it's possible to climb up the main tower by the gate. It may need some effort, but at the end you get a great 360° view over the surroundings. In case you want to take a bite, there is a restaurant inside, but also a food truck. Enjoy your visit!

Steven Bunner (3 years ago)
Nice views, great area for eating outside

Aleksandar Milosavljevic (3 years ago)
Very nice place for a family visit. Plus they can organize every kind of celebration because there is a place for it.

akhil murali (4 years ago)
Calm and Relaxing. Best place to indulge amongst the remainings of the past if you're near bochum.

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Kakesbeck Castle

Kakesbeck is one of the largest medieval fortifications in Münsterland and the oldest castle in Lüdinghausen. The imposingly grown complex originated in 1120 as a motte, a small hilltop tower castle. After numerous changes of ownership, the castle was extended onto two islands, but it was not until the 14th century that it underwent significant alterations and extensions under the von Oer family. The estate experienced its heyday in the middle of the 18th century, when it covered an area of almost one square kilometre and consisted of five further outer castles in addition to the core castle, which were secured by ramparts and moats.

The well-maintained condition of the castle today is thanks to the late Wilfried Grewing, the former lord of the castle. The foundation named after him has been particularly committed to preserving the property since 2020.

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