Stromberg Castle Ruin

Built over a thousand years ago on a steeply sloping ridge, the Stromberg castle ruins in Oelde offer a spectacular view far out into the Münsterland park landscape. The only hilltop castle in the region was once built as a fortress by the bishops of Münster to protect their territory - and today it is a diverse and very popular destination for excursions.

Founded by Charlemagne

According to legend, Charlemagne founded the massive fortress. Inside the castle, the Church of the Holy Cross, which still exists today and houses the precious Holy Cross of Stromberg, was consecrated in 1344. On the orders of the Elector and Bishop Maximilian Franz, the castle was demolished from 1780 onwards; only parts of the circular wall, a castle mansion and the Paulus Tower from the 15th century have survived.

Venue of the Oelde open-air theatre

Today, the mighty ruins of the hilltop castle are not only a beautiful destination for a day out for the whole family, but they also serve as the backdrop for the Oelde open-air theatre: in the summer months, fantastic plays for young and old are performed on the steps of the Holy Cross Church.