Hardenstein Castle, Herbede, Germany

Hardenstein Castle remains lie near the Ruhr River, surrounded by mountains, and are not easily accessible. Nearby ruins show that the castle was once part of an important mining centre, probably dating to the Middle Ages; the earliest records, from the 16th century, support this. The castle is featured in the legend of the Nibelungs.

The castle's association with mining led to a legend that King Goldemar, a dwarf or kobold, dwelled there. One version of the story says that King Goldemar lived with Neveling von Hardenberg at the castle. For three years, he brought the inhabitants good luck until a curious man tried to see his footprints by casting tares and ashes about. Goldemar cut the man up, roasted his body, boiled his head and legs, and ate him. He was gone the next day, vowing through a note that the house would be as unlucky as it had been lucky while he lived there.

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User Reviews

Donald Polak (2 years ago)
Small but nice ruins along the Rhein.

Nick (2 years ago)
Nice and quiet place and not too much crowded. Surrounded by forest, you can go for a walk or cycling and explore the area around the castle as you like. Nearest bus stand is Hardensteiner Weg. There is no entry ticket.

Md Shah Sunny Alam (2 years ago)
I was so happy to got there. I saw the beauty of old architectural building with the view of river

iyad kaddour (2 years ago)
A nice place in Natur

Alex Totti (2 years ago)
Amazing view, and the route to here is also easy.

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