Nienburg Castle Ruin

The ruins of Nienburg Castle appear mysterious, almost mystical, hidden away on the Pilatusberg between a wood near Ostenfelde, a district of Ennigerloh. Today, moats and the remains of the keep only hint at the fact that a proud castle once stood here.

The castle in court

The castle was first mentioned in a document in 1340. This estate is recorded as the predecessor of the "New Castle" built in 1422, which was used as an episcopal fief. Numerous changes of ownership followed until the moated castle was the subject of several legal proceedings due to debt disputes. Despite the rightful ownership of a Nienburger, the prince-bishop had the entire complex destroyed in 1675. Over time, the condition of the Nienburg deteriorated immensely. However, the continued existence of the cultural asset, the stump of the keep as well as the ditches and the rampart, were secured through restoration work.

Münsterland in Detail | Nienburg Castle Ruin

Marked by misdeed, the castle ruins are still surrounded by the legend of the nearby "Teufelspütt": The last owner is said to have buried his jewellery in the spring surrounding the vaults, which fed the Gräften. This is guarded to this day by a devil who frightens lonely hikers at the witching hour by rattling chains and barking.

Map | Nienburg Castle Ruins

Service at the Nienburg castle ruins

Outdoor
Admission free / free of charge