ヴェッター（ルール地方）の洞窟・トップ20

The ruins, which have been a listed building since 1909, now house a castle restaurant, among other things. More than 650 couples have used this great location so far.

From April to around November, there are demonstrations on Saturdays and Sundays at 3 p.m. and workshops from time to time at the Hardenstein castle ruins.

The sculptures provide a nice, unexpected change on this section of the trail. The interior of the castle and the workshops display other sculptures worth seeing.

The Blankenstein Castle, built in the 13th century, was once one of the main residences of the Count von der Mark. In 1922, the city of Bochum acquired the castle in Hattingen for one Reichsmark. It is of great importance for Bochum because it was granted city rights here in 1321 by Count Engelbert II. At that time, all that remained of the original building was the tower, which visitors have been able to climb again since 1971. The 30 meter high viewing platform offers an impressive view over the Ruhr Valley, the old village of Stiepel and Lake Kemnader. The Gethmann Gardens are also in the immediate vicinity. The idyllic location on the heights of the Ruhr Valley makes Blankenstein Castle and the associated gastronomy in the courtyard a popular destination. Source: https://www.bochum-tourismus.de/bochum-discoveren/kirchen-und-besondere-orte/burg-blankenstein.html#c3140

Blankenstein Castle towers high above the Ruhr. From here it once dominated the Ruhr valley. The old fortress from the 13th century is now a popular destination. The keep offers the visitor a fantastic view over the Ruhr. If you visit Blankenstein Castle, Blankenstein Castle towers high above the Ruhr. should definitely take the stairs to the 30 meter high keep, even if they get very narrow in some places. But hardly reached the top, a fantastic view compensates for the effort of the ascent. Fantastic view over the Ruhr Valley Far below, the Ruhr meanders on one of the most beautiful sections of the Ruhr Valley from Bochum to Hattingen. In the north-west, the water surface of Lake Kemnader spreads out in front of the viewer's eyes, in the north you can see the old village of Stiepel. In the south you can see the Katzenstein nature reserve. From up here you also have a beautiful view of the Alte Freiheit Blankenstein, whose half-timbered houses invite you to go for a walk. The ice cream parlor on the market square is a popular meeting point in the Ruhr area in summer. A castle with an eventful history Blankenstein Castle was built in 1226 by the Count von der Mark using the stones from the polished Isenburg. Almost 100 years later, more precisely at Pentecost of the year 1321, Count Engelbert II granted the city of Bochum city rights. The last extensions to Blankenstein Castle were not completed until around 1398. At the end of the 15th century, however, the castle lost its importance and was occupied by Spanish troops in 1614. About 50 years later, the castle has fallen into disrepair and the Elector gives the Syberg family permission to demolish it so that they can use the stones to further expand their inherited property, Haus Kemnade. From 1860 the Blankenstein Castle was used as a factory by the ironmonger Gustav von Stein. His son later set up the first restaurant there. In 1922, the city of Bochum acquired Blankenstein Castle and renovated the remaining fortifications by 1971.

The works of art are usually built as large as the original living animals. A real eye-catcher.

Here you cycle through the idyllic Muttental - the cradle of Ruhrpott mining. Hardenstein Castle was there even earlier than the tunnels, but today you can only marvel at the (yet impressive) remains. It is located directly on the Ruhr and is a nice place to take a break. Apropos Ruhr: If you plan to follow the Ruhrtal cycle path, there is another cool highlight waiting for you next door. Here you have to cross the Ruhr, but without a bridge. It is made possible by the only ferry connection along the river cycle path. The electric passenger ferry brings you silently to the other bank.

Old Blankenstein Castle located in the idyllic town of Blankenstein. You should definitely go up. Stairs pretty steep. Fantastic view of the Ruhr valley.