Dreckburg

Dreckburg is a medieval castle on the eastern edge of Salzkotten, surrounded by a water-filled moat with two baroque wings added during the 18th century. The structure displays the typical layout of a defensive fortress with thick stone walls and a central tower.

Otto von Bentheim, a Paderborn cathedral provost, built the fortress between 1347 and 1357 as a defense against attacks from Kurköln. Over the centuries, ownership changed hands multiple times and the structure underwent various expansions.

The castle holds open-air concerts where notable German performers such as Roger Cicero, Sarah Connor, and Silbermond have entertained large audiences.

The castle sits east of Salzkotten's city center near the B1 road and is easy to reach. Local visitor information is available through Salzkotten Marketing for questions about access.

The central tower features a Renaissance wall painting on the third floor depicting the Fountain of Youth legend, preserved through centuries of changing hands. This artwork reveals the artistic ambitions of the residents during that era.