Top 14 Castles in Landkreis Grafschaft Bentheim
Best castles in Landkreis Grafschaft Bentheim are primarily found in Lower Saxony, Germany, a region known for its historical fortifications and varied landscape. The area features prominent historical sites built on Bentheim sandstone, offering strategic elevated positions. Visitors can explore centuries of history within these structures, which stand out against the surrounding flat terrain.
Best castles in Landkreis Grafschaft Bentheim
- The most popular castles is Bentheim Castle, a castle that is the largest hilltop castle in northwest Germany. It features a 30-meter high Pulverturm and offers panoramic views.
- Another must-see spot is Former horse trough at Bentheim Castle, a historical site located on the castle wall. From this spot, visitors can get a view of the castle's tower.
- Visitors also love Lage Castle Ruins, ivy-covered castle ruins. While generally not publicly accessible, it offers a glimpse into historical architecture.
- Landkreis Grafschaft Bentheim is known for hill castles, historical manor houses, and ancient castle ruins. Visitors can explore well-preserved fortresses, historical manor houses, and ancient ruins.
- The castles in Landkreis Grafschaft Bentheim are appreciated by the komoot community, with over 2900 upvotes and more than 2000 photos shared.
Last updated: July 9, 2026
Bentheim Castle
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Former horse trough at Bentheim Castle
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Lage Castle Ruins
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Bentheim Castle
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View of Bentheim Castle
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Drusus Rock (Devil’s Ear Pillow) at Bentheim Castle
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Haus Langen
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The old house was protected by moats. The present building was constructed in 1798. A hundred years later, the one-storey building was extended by an additional floor. In the 1950s, a wing on the east side was removed. The owner is the von Elverfeldt family.
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Location of Toerne Castle
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History:
The Toerne family appears in the documents from 1189 and from 1223 among the castle guards of Bentheim Castle. It is generally assumed that their original seat was south of the church in Uelsen, but this does not appear in the sources or be located more precisely.
In 1399, Count Bern zu Bentheim allowed Hinrik van den Toerne to build and construct a dwelling and fortress for the Symoninck heir.
Text copied (and more info) stolen from:
ebidat.de/cgi-bin/ebidat.pl?id=5780
Photo and much info comes from the Uelsen Local History Museum:
heimatverein-uelsen.de/uelser-geschichte/burgmannshof-in-uelsen
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Rock Archway at the Castle
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View of the Church in Front of the Castle
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If anyone is interested, they can gladly learn about the castle 🏰
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When you approach the upper castle gate, you will find the Gothic chapel with its Bingel Tower, also called St. Catherine's Church, which dates back to Romanesque times, on the right side of the gate. It consists of a single-nave nave with a choir in front of it and was first mentioned in 1406 (according to other sources, 1415). In 1544, Count Arnold of Bentheim had the church prepared for Protestant worship. However, under Count Ernst Wilhelm, it was also given to the Catholics for a certain period, but after the construction of the Catholic church in Bentheim, the Reformed congregation got the church back. As early as 1767, St. Catherine's Church was no longer used for church purposes; the furnishings were no longer present at the time and the floor was dirty. In 1778, a hurricane destroyed the Baroque spire, and it was subsequently rebuilt in its current form. Today, St. Catherine's Church can be visited as a museum. Its exhibition space is rather simply designed. Permanently located within it are a large wooden gallery and a small stone pulpit. A wooden statue of the Madonna from the 16th century, created by Evert van Roden, hangs from the ceiling. In addition, there are numerous old sandstone gravestones and coats of arms of the Counts of Bentheim and their relatives. Since August 2016, the Romanesque sculpture of the "Herrgott von Bentheim" has been located in the choir of St. Catherine's Church. It previously stood at the foot of the Powder Tower (see description there). Temporary special exhibitions also take place in the exhibition space of St. Catherine's Church. The visit to the church was free of charge until the new ticket office was built. Source: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burg_Bentheim
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Very nice to look at
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🏰 Bentheim Castle The horse trough is a beautiful part of the overall experience surrounding Bentheim Castle, the largest hilltop castle in Northwest Germany.
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Beautiful church, currently under renovation
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Beautiful rock formations near the castle
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Beautiful view, photogenic place!
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A very nice place to take a picture with a beautiful view.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most prominent castle to visit in Landkreis Grafschaft Bentheim?
The most prominent and significant castle in the region is Bentheim Castle. It is the largest hilltop castle in northwest Germany, known for its rich history, impressive architecture, and panoramic views from the Pulverturm.
What historical features can I explore at Bentheim Castle?
At Bentheim Castle, you can explore the 30-meter high Pulverturm (Powder Tower) with its viewing platform, the Kronenburg medieval palace housing historical exhibits, and the Katharinenkirche (St. Catherine's Church) which contains an ancient stone cross. The castle complex also includes a battery tower and a well.
Are there any castle ruins I can visit in the region?
The Lage Castle Ruins are notable ivy-covered ruins in the region. However, they are generally not publicly accessible as they are privately owned. Access is typically only granted once a year during the Open Monument Day.
What natural features are associated with Bentheim Castle?
Bentheim Castle is built on a protrusion of Bentheim sandstone, which is a significant natural feature of the area. You can also visit the Drusus Rock (Devil’s Ear Pillow) at Bentheim Castle and a Rock Archway at the Castle, both formed by this unique sandstone.
What outdoor activities can I do near the castles in Landkreis Grafschaft Bentheim?
The area around the castles, especially Bentheim Castle, offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking and cycling routes. For example, there are easy hikes like the Bentheim Sandstone Cliffs loop, and gravel biking routes such as the 'Borderland loop: Schüttorf, Gildehauser Venn & Bad Bentheim'. You can explore more options in the Easy hikes in Landkreis Grafschaft Bentheim or Gravel biking in Landkreis Grafschaft Bentheim guides.
Are there family-friendly activities at Bentheim Castle?
Bentheim Castle is considered family-friendly. Children can enjoy exploring the historic grounds, including the Pulverturm and the Kronenburg, which offers an immersive experience into medieval life. The castle park also provides space for relaxation.
What is the best time of year to visit the castles in Landkreis Grafschaft Bentheim?
The castles, particularly Bentheim Castle, are enjoyable throughout the year. During the Advent season, the castle courtyard transforms into a fairytale setting for a Christmas market. Spring and autumn offer pleasant weather for exploring the outdoor areas and nearby hiking trails.
What do visitors enjoy most about Bentheim Castle?
Visitors frequently highlight the impressive panoramic views from the Pulverturm, the historical atmosphere of the mighty sandstone castle, and the charming old town with its winding streets surrounding Bentheim Castle. The castle's unique position dominating the spa town is also a popular aspect.
Is Bentheim Castle currently accessible to visitors?
As of early 2026, the museum operations of Burg Bentheim were temporarily suspended due to structural damage. It is advisable to check the castle's official website for the most current information regarding visitor access and renovation updates before planning your trip.
Are there other historical sites or manor houses in the region besides Bentheim Castle?
Yes, the region also features Haus Langen, a manor and former castle manor seat of the Counts of Bentheim. While the original castle is gone, the current manor house, built in 1798, offers a glimpse into the area's aristocratic history.
How long does it typically take to explore Bentheim Castle?
To thoroughly explore Bentheim Castle, including its museum, the Pulverturm, and the surrounding grounds, visitors typically spend 2-3 hours. This allows enough time to appreciate the historical exhibits and enjoy the panoramic views.
Are there cafes or restaurants near the castles?
Yes, Bentheim Castle is located in Bad Bentheim, a spa town with various cafes and restaurants. There is also a tea room, 'Malle Mühle', near the Lage Castle Ruins, which is open on certain days.
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