Hardenstein Castle, Herbede, Germany

Hardenstein Castle remains lie near the Ruhr River, surrounded by mountains, and are not easily accessible. Nearby ruins show that the castle was once part of an important mining centre, probably dating to the Middle Ages; the earliest records, from the 16th century, support this. The castle is featured in the legend of the Nibelungs.

The castle's association with mining led to a legend that King Goldemar, a dwarf or kobold, dwelled there. One version of the story says that King Goldemar lived with Neveling von Hardenberg at the castle. For three years, he brought the inhabitants good luck until a curious man tried to see his footprints by casting tares and ashes about. Goldemar cut the man up, roasted his body, boiled his head and legs, and ate him. He was gone the next day, vowing through a note that the house would be as unlucky as it had been lucky while he lived there.

References:

Wikipedia

User Reviews

Tamara Reni (5 months ago)
Such a lovely walk down to this castle ruin. One of our favorite stops on our trip.

Boris Tenodi (8 months ago)
Very interesting place to see... alot of history and nature on one place

Sinisa Mrsic (2 years ago)
The place is ruined but it is still very beautiful, looks like some castles from Oblivion or Skyrim games...from one side is surrounded with forest and hills from opposite side with river...I like it very much

karel van assche (2 years ago)
Nice historical ruin and aGood place to chill for a bit.

Navyanth Kusampudi (2 years ago)
Situated near the banks of the Ruhr river, between tiny mountains and 40 feet trees, the Hardenstein castle, once a center for mining, now a cursed castle, is a very interesting site to explore. The castle was mostly damaged but the ruins will remind you how such a small place had been used in the past both as a defence and a living palace. I went here with my bicycle from kemnader see. To cross the ruhr river there is a ferry operated by RUHR tourisms, which will take you to the other side, towords the castle. They won't charge you any money but you are free to donate some, if you want. When I reached there, it was full of curios kids, who were desperately trying to climb those old walls. I enjoyed walking along the railroad just beside the castle. The rusted rail track indicates that this route has not been used for a long time. This is a very quite palce far away from the city noise. It was very relaxing and refreshing. I would definitely recommend this site if you have a half day to visit

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