Haus Rodenberg, Water castle in Aplerbeck, Dortmund, Germany.
Haus Rodenberg is a water castle in Aplerbeck featuring an outer building complex surrounded by moats, formal gardens, and ponds. The layout follows the traditional design of a noble estate, with water features integrated throughout the property to create distinct zones.
The castle was first documented in 1290 and remained a private family estate for centuries. Between 1688 and 1698, Johann Dietrich Voß von Rodenberg commissioned major renovations that transformed it into a baroque water palace, the form it retains today.
The mansion now hosts adult education classes through the local college, bringing regular activity to its rooms and grounds. A restaurant inside welcomes visitors and locals for meals, making the site a living community space rather than just a historical relic.
The estate sits within public parkland in central Aplerbeck and is accessible for exploration from the outside. Visitors should note that portions of the building host classes and events, so access to some areas may be limited or require planning ahead.
The property features a distinctive squared garden section called the 'Wasserparterre', enclosed by landscape walls and surrounded by its own moat system. This geometric design represents a specific choice of baroque garden art that sets this estate apart from other castles of its kind.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
