Haus Mengede

Haus Mengede is a medieval castle ruin in Dortmund-Mengede where only foundation walls remain visible today. These remnants reveal the former structure of a water castle surrounded by moats and ramparts across a site spanning roughly two hectares.

The fortress was built between 1260 and 1270 by the Knights of Mengede and consisted of a main castle with an outer fortified ring. By the 15th century, it served as a seat for a family whose members held significant positions in church governance.

The name comes from the Mengede family, who lived here for centuries and shaped the region. You can still see how they displayed their power through the layout of the buildings and fortifications.

The site is protected as an archaeological monument and can be visited from outside, with foundation walls visible from pathways. There is minimal infrastructure on-site, so sturdy footwear and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended.

The castle moats were originally fed by the Emscher River and shaped the landscape for centuries. When the river was channelized in the early 1900s to control flooding, the moats lost their water supply and were eventually filled in.