Schloss Schellenstein, Medieval château in Olsberg, Germany
Schloss Schellenstein is a castle in Olsberg, North Rhine-Westphalia, built on elevated terrain with stone walls and traditional defensive structures. The complex today consists of multiple sections that show different building phases and modifications from various centuries.
The castle first appears in written records from 1270, after which it changed hands multiple times among regional noble families. The Wrede, Padberg, and Brabeck lineages were the most important families to control the castle over extended periods.
The place served as a seat of noble power for centuries and continues to shape the region's identity as a historic stronghold. The buildings reflect how local authority and land-owning families shaped life here across generations.
The castle is today divided into several private sections following recent renovations and partial sales over recent decades. Visitors can view the exterior architecture and explore the location on the elevated hilltop.
In the early 1900s, the castle became home to the Josefs-Gesellschaft, a church-based organization founded by Father Heinrich Sommer with social goals. This use shows how the buildings took on completely new purposes in the 20th century, far from their medieval role as a noble seat.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
