Perhaps, the stones of this Schloss could whisper tales of knights and hidden passages. This is the Schelmenburg. It is also known as Schelmenschloss or Gruckau. For centuries, it stood as the ancestral seat of the Schelme von Bergen.
Today, only a baroque water palace remains. It was built around 1700. It stands on the foundation of the former core castle.
Let’s delve into the Schelmenburg’s story. It sits near the medieval heart of Bergen. You will find it between “Am Weissen Turm” and “Marktstrasse”. This places it near the Stadthalle. Its location was strategically significant in the Middle Ages. It was near an ancient Roman road junction. Since there was no natural elevation for defense, a moat protected the castle. This was unusual. It was about 80 meters above the Main River level. Several springs above the castle provided water. The water flowed south through a covered canal to Marktstrasse.
Archaeological finds suggest that the earliest structure was a wooden tower castle. It dates back to the 12th or 13th century. Like many castles in the Frankfurt area, the Schelmenburg likely arose during the time of Emperor Barbarossa. It served alongside larger imperial castles. These included Friedberg and Munzenberg. Smaller castles like Vilbel and Wachenbuchen also helped secure the land.
The Schelmenburg’s history closely ties with Bergen. In 1272, Werner Schelm von Bergen received part of the tithe in Bergen as a fief. The Schelme von Bergen initially acted as imperial vassals. Over time, Bergen fell under the control of the Lords and Counts of Hanau. By 1354, the Schelme von Bergen had to become vassals of Ulrich III of Hanau. They received the castle as a fief. This change likely led to a stone expansion. The castle became known as a “Fester Haus”. Bergen became a pledged property of Hanau in 1357.
The Schelme’s dwindling power led to conflicts. They often robbed merchants traveling to and from Frankfurt. This brought them into conflict with the city. Frankfurt occupied the castle in the winter of 1381/82. The frozen moat allowed easy access. Sibold and Gerlach Schelm had to swear an oath of submission. They also had to serve the city for two months each year. Frankfurt reserved the right to access the castle. Ulrich IV of Hanau freed his vassals from these obligations in 1389.
Between 1500 and 1520, Adam Schelm von Bergen added an outer moat. This protected the castle’s farm buildings. These buildings had strengthened walls and loopholes. Despite these improvements, the castle’s defensive value was likely limited. The stone house in the main moat remained the safest refuge.
The Schelmenburg gradually transformed into an estate. Friedrich Adolph Schelm zu Bergen initiated major changes. He had served at the Heidelberg court. In 1672, Friedrich Wilhelm sought lodging in Bergen. The Gruckau water castle was outdated. Friedrich Adolph had to let the Kurfürst lodge elsewhere in Bergen. This prompted Friedrich Adolph to rebuild the main building. Over ten years, he replaced it with the baroque palace we see today. The moat and bridge remained. Friedrich Adolph also added a sandstone relief at the entrance. It features the double-headed imperial eagle. The inscription “SVB VMBRA ALARVM TVARVM” suggests his independence from Hanau. He saw himself as a free imperial knight.
With the Schelme von Bergen line extinct in the 19th century, the Schelmenburg became a large farm. Johann Georg Kalbhenn acquired the estate in 1830. He moved the court gate in 1850. The farm buildings were demolished or rebuilt in the 19th and 20th centuries. The outer moat was filled in 1840.
In 1942, the municipality of Bergen-Enkheim purchased the property. They leased the building. The farm operated until 1962. After renovations, the mayor’s office and parts of the administration moved in 1967. Later, it housed a social station, the municipal library, and club rooms. In 2002, the Schelmenburg became the House of Clubs.
Today, the Schelmenburg stands as a testament to centuries of history. Its stones echo with tales of knights, merchants, and the ebb and flow of power. Though transformed over time, its essence remains. The Schelmenburg continues to connect us to Frankfurt’s rich past.