Burg Hünenknüfer, Medieval castle ruins in Fröndenberg, Germany.
Burg Hünenknüfer is a castle in Fröndenberg whose remains form a large mound with green sandstone walls that are still visible today. The site was protected by a complex ditch system and occupied a commanding position above the Ruhr valley.
The castle was built in medieval times as a fortress for the von Scheda family, who wielded influence in the region from the 13th century onward. It stood in connection with the founding of the nearby Kloster Scheda, which reflected the power and lands of the local noble family.
The name Hünenknüfer refers to the "giant's hill" in local dialect, reflecting how people have long viewed this prominent raised structure in the landscape. Over centuries, the site has been woven into local stories and memory as a marker of the region's noble past.
The ruins sit on elevated ground above the Ruhr valley and can be reached on foot via hiking paths through the surrounding countryside. The location offers good orientation points for walkers exploring the area.
The site preserves a double wall-and-ditch system on its north side, showing how carefully medieval defensive strategy was planned. This dual protective line was a key feature of fortified noble seats from that era.
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