Harkotten Castle

Construction of the magnificent castle complex began in the 14th century by the feudal lord Heinrich II von Korff. Initially, the complex served as a fortified moated castle for the diocese of Münster. After the feudal lord's death, his sons divided the buildings among themselves and established their own family seats. After the Korff-Schmiesing family died out in 1615, the castle passed to their daughter and her husband Baron von Ketteler, who henceforth gave the estate its name. In 1755, the family had the seat torn down and an imposing castle built in its place in the classicist style. The entire complex, including the grand staircase and the impressive gardens, was completed after 1800.

Such an impressive castle complex harbours plenty of stories and legends. In this case, the "white lady" is a lore about a mysterious drawing with an eerie background. According to this, a portrait of a woman from the 18th century placed in the castle shows a lovely lady with a feathered hat at first glance. Held against the light, it is said, a second image emerges, depicting the woman in ugliness. Whether a maiden burnt as a witch or called "Breen Tühne" and walled up in the castle tower, this lady is said to wander through the castle as a ghost and to appear every twelve years at the midnight hour when the mist rises over the moats and meadows.