House Welbergen

A Gräftenhof is mentioned for the first time in 1282 where Haus Welbergen now stands. The "Lords of Welleberghe" lived on the estate from 1298 to 1330. In the middle of the 16th century it was converted into a moated castle. The complex consists of an outer and a main castle and is surrounded by a ring of moats.

You enter the courtyard of the outer castle via a drawbridge, which is bordered by the gatehouse and the farm buildings and stables on one side and by a wall with round corner towers and a chapel on the other. In the middle of the inner courtyard of the castle complex is the small garden, which is nevertheless well worth seeing. It is worth a visit at any time of year, but especially when the roses are in bloom.
The castle changed hands several times over the centuries until it was sold to the banker Jordaan van Heek at the end of the 1920s. After the death of his widow Bertha Jordaan van Heek, Haus Welbergen and its extensive property passed into a foundation bearing the name of the founder Bertha Jordaan van Heek.

Haus Welbergen has a rich archive, the most valuable part of which is the correspondence from the circle of Baron von Fürstenberg and the Princess of Gallitzin. Today, Haus Welbergen is used for conferences, among other things.

• The gardens are accessible at all times during the day.
• The interior can be visited as part of a guided tour.
• Guided tours are possible by appointment by e-mail to haus.welbergen@web.de (except on Sundays and public holidays).