Raffenburg

Raffenburg is a castle whose stone remains lie on a hilltop at 237 meters elevation surrounded by dense forest. The surviving foundations show the traces of a central round tower and multiple residential buildings spread across the wooded site.

This fortification was built in the mid-13th century as a military stronghold and played a key role in regional power struggles. It fell in 1288 to Count Eberhard's forces after a siege that ended due to water shortage at the site.

The ruins show features of medieval fortified architecture with traces of a central round tower and residential structures from that era. You can still see the stone foundations and cellars today that reflect how this stronghold was built and used.

You can reach the ruins from the former Märchenwald parking lot by following a steep forest path marked with information panels. The trail is steep and requires good walking shoes and sure footing, especially when the ground is wet.

A sandstone obelisk from 1837 marks the site and commemorates Emil Friedrich I, the last ruler of Bentheim-Tecklenburg. Visitors often overlook this monument, even though it connects the castle's history to the region's ruling dynasty.