Haus Scheppen, Medieval fortress on Baldeneysee, Essen, Germany
Haus Scheppen is a medieval water castle on Baldeneysee in Essen, surrounded by water moats fed by the lake. The preserved sections of the northwest and southeast wings are built from Ruhr sandstone and form the visible remains of the original structure.
The lords of Scheppen received this fortified estate in 1344 from Werden Abbey as one of their largest feudal properties with subordinate lands. The site played an important regional role for centuries until World War II damage severely affected major portions of the complex.
The building houses a restaurant in its northeastern wing where visitors can dine with water views. The site also functions as a dock for the White Fleet's passenger vessels that regularly transport visitors across the lake.
The site provides about 80 boat moorings with electrical connections and accommodates vessels up to 10 meters long and 1.3 meters deep. Visitors should note that accessibility varies depending on water levels and ongoing restoration work.
The complex suffered severe damage during a 1944 air raid with destruction of all roofs and partial collapse of the southwestern wall. These wartime scars still shape the appearance today and make the site's history directly visible to visitors.
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