Photo: castles, fortresses and palaces, Burgsteinfurt Castle, North Rhine-Westphalia

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Burgsteinfurt Castle on an Island in the Water

Castles, Fortresses and Palaces

Burgsteinfurt water castle - the oldest structure of its kind in Westphalia- attracts tourists in Steinfurt. It is located on an artificial island on the Aa River. During the centuries of its existence, the castle was repeatedly rebuilt and reorganized, adapting to the needs of its owners. It was first mentioned in historical documents in 1129. At that time it was a small square tower on a hill in the Aa River valley. A little later the original construction was added by the more impressive Buddenturm defensive tower.

In 1421 the male line of the Steinfurt family was broken and Burgsteinfurt Castle passed to the representative of the Bentheim family. He and his descendants called themselves Counts of Bentheim and Steinfurt. During the Thirty Years’ War the castle changed owners and was heavily damaged several times. It was finally restored only in 1706-1715. Later, several new Baroque buildings were added. At the end of the XVIII century Buddenturm Tower lost its defensive significance, and was dismantled. The stones from the ruined walls were used in the construction of most buildings in Bagno Park.

The Burgsteinfurt Castle Complex consists of three elements. The Upper Castle (Oberburg) is the oldest part, where the castle owners lived and still live. The Lower Castle (Unterburg) combines outbuildings - barns, granaries, a coach house, apartments for servants, etc. The third part of the complex is a mill, which offers the best view on the two other parts. Because the castle is still inhabited by representatives of the Bentheim-Steinfurt family, most of the interior is closed for inspection. But there is what to see outside. Besides, the castle is very close to Bagno Park.

Burgsteinfurt Castle on an Island in the Water

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