Gisbert Speke was the first to call this place Haus Bodelschwingh. It’s more than just a building. It’s a journey through time. We are standing before Haus Bodelschwingh. This water castle stands as Dortmund’s largest aristocratic residence. Its reflection shimmers in the moat.
Haus Bodelschwingh dates back to the 13th century. The von Bodelschwingh family built it. The family still owns it today. In the 16th and 17th centuries, the house expanded in the Renaissance style. At the end of the 19th century, the family zu Innhausen und Knyphausen inherited it through marriage.
Notice the oak piles beneath the water. They support the entire structure of Haus Bodelschwingh. The oldest parts of the castle date back to 1300. They are on the north side.
Haus Bodelschwingh stands as a testament to resilience. It survived World War II unscathed. Even blasting at the nearby Westhausen coal mine did not damage it.
Take a moment to appreciate the castle garden. It was founded in the 18th century. It features a tomb from the early 19th century. It is built in the Mon Repos architectural style. Many of the garden’s plants are natural monuments.
The castle park is bisected by the A45 autobahn. Despite this division, the park retains its beauty.
The Vogtsturm is likely the oldest part of Haus Bodelschwingh. It may have been a residence before the two-room house was built.
Inside the main house, find the Kambyses-Kamin. A relief shows King Kambyses flaying a corrupt judge. This served as a warning to future judges.
Haus Bodelschwingh is a unique blend of history and nature. Today the family zu Innhausen und Knyphausen lives here. It is usually closed to the public. But Haus Bodelschwingh opens for special events. These include a summer fair and a Christmas market. It also opens on Open Monument Day.
Consider the layers of history within these walls. Haus Bodelschwingh has seen centuries of change. It has witnessed wars and marriages. It has stood firm against the forces of nature and industry. Its story continues with the family that lives here. They preserve this unique and important historical site.