Haus Scheppen, Medieval fortress on Baldeneysee, Essen, Germany
Haus Scheppen is a medieval water castle on the shore of Baldeneysee in Essen, with moats fed directly by the lake. The surviving sections of the northwest and southeast wings are built from Ruhr sandstone and show what the original structure once looked like.
The lords of Scheppen received the fortified estate in 1344 from Werden Abbey as one of their largest feudal holdings. The property remained an important landmark in the region for centuries until major damage during the Second World War changed its form.
The northeastern wing houses a restaurant where guests can eat with a view over the water. The site also serves as a dock for the White Fleet's passenger boats, which regularly cross the Baldeneysee.
The site has around 80 boat moorings with electrical connections and can take larger vessels. Access to some areas may vary depending on water levels and ongoing restoration work, so it is worth checking current conditions before visiting.
A 1944 air raid destroyed all the roofs and caused part of the southwest wall to collapse. Those wartime marks are still visible today, making the damage itself part of what visitors see when they walk around the site.
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