Sythen Castle

Once a prehistoric rampart or refuge and today a socio-cultural centre: Sythen Castle. The lavishly restored castle complex now serves primarily as a special venue for exhibitions, conferences and celebrations, but is also open to visitors on a few days a week.

The Germanic rampart castle was first mentioned in a document in 758 and was part of an important defence line in the war between the Saxons and the Franks. In the following centuries, there were several changes of ownership. The gatehouse with its old brick façade, the quaint little chapel and the old brick vaults make Sythen Castle a typical Westphalian castle complex. The manor house must have looked quite different from 1845 onwards. It had a discreet southern flair and conveyed a sophisticated overall impression. But after about 100 years, the manor house was demolished in 1972. A modern family recreation home was to be built, but it was never built. The entire complex was threatened with decay.

It was not until 1989 that the town of Haltern am See was able to acquire the property. Thanks to the Sythen shooting club, all the other buildings were preserved and the site was able to grow bit by bit into a cultural meeting place. Today, only ground markings bear witness to the magnificent manor house on the castle grounds.

After extensive restoration, the grounds and the rooms in the castle are now used for exhibitions, concerts and events.

• A tour of the estate is possible during opening hours.
• The historic grounds are often the venue for cultural events. Often, a tour is also possible during the event.
• Guided tours are also possible outside opening hours on request.
• The premises can also be booked for private parties, weddings and conferences.