Schwanenburg

The Schwanenburg fortress stood between Rheine and Elte, with its defensive structures positioned less than 100 meters southwest of the Willer farmstead.

First documented in 1303 and named after the swan symbol of Steinfurt nobility, the fortress met its destruction in 1343 during conflicts between Bishop Ludwig of Münster and Steinfurt nobles.

The remains of Schwanenburg were later repurposed for the construction of the old church in Mesum, connecting the medieval structure to local religious heritage.

The location of this lowland fortress in the marshy floodplains of the former Ems River course was recently identified through aerial photographs and satellite scans.

Archaeological studies revealed the fortress was built in a depression rather than on an elevation, contradicting earlier assumptions by local historians.

Location: Rheine

GPS coordinates: 52.25060,7.50715

Latest update: April 4, 2025 00:07