Schloss Werdringen, Water castle with archaeology museum in Vorhalle, Hagen, Germany

Schloss Werdringen is a medieval water castle in Hagen-Nord surrounded by moats and water features. The building combines fortress walls and towers with residential spaces added later and now functions as a museum.

Werdringen was first documented in the mid-13th century as a fief of the Volmestein family and belonged to the Archbishops of Cologne. From 1324 it formed part of the County of Mark. In 1449, during the Soest Feud, the noble seat was shelled, partly destroyed and set on fire; rebuilding in the 15th century created the water castle. In 1856/57 Count Friedrich Wilhelm von der Recke-Volmerstein had parts rebuilt in Neo-Gothic style.

The castle displays collections about the history of the Hagen region and its inhabitants. Visitors gain insight into the everyday life of earlier generations through the exhibited objects and rooms.

The castle is easily accessible from central Hagen and has parking near the main entrance. Visitors should wear appropriate clothing as some pathways around the grounds are outdoors and interior spaces can be cool.

In the former quarry Hagen-Vorhalle near the castle, the world's oldest known flying insects were found, about 316 million years old. In 1876 three swords from the younger Bronze Age were discovered at the foot of the Kaisberg. Both finds are shown in the castle's museum.