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

Marty Schall (2 years ago)
Ganzokay, wenn man mal mit dem Fahrrad unterwegs ist. Lohnt dich als Ziel oder Zwischenstopp, man kann hier gut eine Pause einlegen.

BiggiM (2 years ago)
Toller Ort zum spazieren gehen und diesen Ort zum schauen und verweilen nutzen. Schöne alte Ruine mit einer interessanten Geschichte. Etwas klein, aber trotzdem schön

gabi gaboja (2 years ago)
Amazing castle

Jesse Ojanen (3 years ago)
Beautiful and quiet place

vstl moox (3 years ago)
History....and beautiful region.

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