Burg Volmarstein

Burg Volmarstein, a captivating ruin perched on a hilltop in the district of Volmarstein, Wetter (Ruhr), in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, is a testament to the region's rich medieval history. Nestled in the scenic landscape protection area of In der Bach/Am Vorberg, this ancient fortress offers visitors a glimpse into the past with its storied walls and panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

The Origins of Burg Volmarstein

Founded in the year 1100 by Friedrich I of Schwarzenburg, the Archbishop of Cologne, Burg Volmarstein was established to assert the archbishop's power in Westphalia. The castle was granted as a fief to the noble lords of Volmarstein (Volmudestede), who served as ministeriales to the archbishops of Cologne. Strategically positioned on a ridge above the Ruhr River, the castle safeguarded the Archbishop's Escort Road from Ennepetal to Soest, becoming the administrative center for the Volmarstein lordship, which included Hagen, until the 14th century.

The earliest documented representative of the Lords of Volmarstein is Heinrich I, mentioned in 1134. Around the castle, a rural settlement began to form, which by 1307 had earned the designation of town.

After the Battle of Worringen in 1288

Following the Battle of Worringen in 1288, Count Eberhard I of the Mark besieged and partially destroyed Burg Volmarstein. However, a reconciliation led to its restoration in 1289. Eberhard I received full fortification rights from the Archbishop of Cologne, Siegfried of Westerburg, and recognition as a prince of the Holy Roman Empire, which marked a significant shift in the power dynamics of the region. This period saw Eberhard I acquiring numerous territories, including Gummersbach, Lünen, Westhofen, Brackel, Werl, Menden, Isenberg, Volmarstein, and Raffenberg, along with the advocacy of Essen.

In the early 14th century, protracted power struggles with Münster over certain rights in the County of Mark ensued. In 1314, Gottfried of Sayn became the lord of Burg Volmarstein. Due to its location at the boundary of the bishopric and the County of Mark, the castle frequently changed hands amidst political conflicts. In 1324, the castle and the free county of Volmarstein were seized by the Archbishopric of Cologne after a two-month siege due to a feud, leading to its destruction. The castle garrison surrendered due to a lack of water, and the bishop was captured near Methler by Engelbert II of the Mark. Following another reconciliation, the castle was rebuilt.

The Beginning of Decline

During the 14th and 15th centuries, the Counts of the Mark, later also Counts of Cleves and from 1417 Dukes of Cleves, occasionally used Burg Volmarstein, with Duke John of Cleves-Mark being the last recorded user around 1525. However, the castle gradually fell into disrepair during the 15th century. The last male heir of the Volmarstein family, John of Volmarstein, died sometime after 1430. His sister Agnes (Neyse) married Goddert of the Recke, transferring the Volmarstein estates and fiefdom to the Recke family.

Fire and Destruction

In 1754, a devastating fire ravaged the village of Volmarstein and the castle, leaving only ruins. The local inhabitants used the stones from the castle to rebuild their homes. By the early 19th century, the ruins had gained regional fame, inspiring the Prussian poet Friedrich de la Motte Fouqué to write a lengthy poem about it in 1813.

In 1819, the ruins were acquired by Count Philipp of the Recke-Volmarstein, who undertook significant restoration work between 1822 and 1854. This included the construction of a wall support for the split tower, which remains a symbol of the castle hill today. A severe storm on June 24, 1830, destroyed half of the east tower. The Recke-Volmarstein family retained ownership of the Volmarstein estates and fiefdom, among the wealthiest in Westphalia, until the 19th century, selling their Volmarstein property only in the 20th century. The castle ruins remain in the possession of the Counts of the Recke-Volmarstein to this day.

Present Day

Today, the ruins of Burg Volmarstein are easily accessible, with well-maintained and secure paths. Visitors are treated to breathtaking panoramic views of the town of Wetter and the village of Volmarstein from the castle. Below the castle, the Burghotel Volmarstein offers accommodations, though its parking lot is reserved for hotel guests. Visitors are encouraged to park in the village and enjoy the short walk up to the castle. The Nettmanscher Hof parking lot, located across from the church, is a convenient option.

A stone plaque on the partially preserved tower commemorates two significant dates in the castle's history: its construction in 1100 by the Archbishop of Cologne and its destruction in 1324 by the Counts of the Mark. Another plaque on the tower details the castle's history, while a third plaque honors a descendant of the Volmarstein family who fell in the Franco-Prussian War of 1870.

Burg Volmarstein stands as a symbol of the former independent municipality of Volmarstein and the Burg-Wächter company. Each summer, the castle hosts various events, including the Irish-Folk-Festival and Rock auf der Burg, attracting visitors from near and far.

In conclusion, Burg Volmarstein is not just a historical ruin; it is a window into the past, offering a glimpse of the medieval power struggles and the lives of the noble families who once inhabited it. Its picturesque setting and rich history make it a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and casual tourists alike.