Blankenstein Castle, Medieval castle ruins in Hattingen, Germany
Blankenstein is a castle ruin on elevated ground above the Ruhr River, with a remaining tower and sections of its original defensive wall intact. The site also includes buildings from different periods that show how the structure served various purposes throughout the centuries.
The fortress was founded in 1227 and completed in the following decades to control the surrounding region. It remained an important location for over two centuries before being repurposed with new functions later on.
The castle takes its name from the steep rocky outcrop where it stands above the Ruhr valley. Visitors today can experience how this elevated position made the fortress a symbol of power and control over the surrounding landscape.
The tower is accessible year-round and offers wide views from its observation platform over the surrounding city and lakes. Visitors should expect uneven paths and steep stairs, particularly when climbing to the tower top.
An industrial building from the 1800s stands on the castle grounds, a reminder of when the ruins were used as a factory site. This unexpected blend shows how medieval locations later took on entirely new purposes.
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