Schwalenberg Castle

Schwalenberg Castle is located on a hill above the town of Schwalenberg. The hilltop castle was built by the Counts of Schwalenberg in the 13th century. It was partially and fundamentally rebuilt by the House of Lippe in the 17th century and at the beginning of the 20th century. Today, it houses a hotel and a restaurant, which are currently closed (the building is for sale).

The Counts of Schwalenberg later left the old Schwalenberg Castle, which actually gave the family its name, near Oldenburg by Marienmünster, and built the town and the new castle, which is now known as Schwalenberg Castle. During the time of Count Volkwin III, the castle was built and completed around 1225. The town of Schwalenberg also emerged around this time. In the 15th century, the castle was pledged to various noble families. Later, it was the seat of collateral lines of the House of Lippe. In place of the castle, a palace with late Renaissance elements was built in 1627/28. One wing of this still remains. This was renovated between 1911 and 1913. Between 1938 and 1945, the castle was used as a mother's convalescent home and thereafter until 1962 as an evangelical children's recreation home. Subsequently, the building was renovated and converted into a hotel.

Located on a hill above the town, the castle can be reached on foot or by car from the town.