The Wittringen recreation area is an idyllic recreational area in the style of an English landscape park. Recreation seekers can look forward to boat trips on the castle pond. Children will be happy on the adventure playground, the bird island or in the petting zoo. The castle grounds in the center are the first port of call for a day trip through the countryside.
The Wittringen moated castle is the heart of the Wittringer Forest in Gladbeck and the perfect destination for a family outing. It is located in the middle of a wonderful natural and adventure landscape on the edge of the city. Surrounding the relatively new neo-renaissance building, whose roots go back to the 13th century, there are ponds, children's playgrounds and sports fields as well as extensive green areas with winding paths.
Local recreation area was inaugurated in 1928
The idyllic local recreation area in the style of an English landscape park, which was built around the castle grounds by the city of Gladbeck from 1925 and inaugurated in 1928, impresses with its wide range of facilities. Initially, it was only intended to serve as a green paradise on the doorstep of city dwellers and offer a change from the hard working life, but now nature lovers from all over the country make a pilgrimage to the green recreational area to treat themselves to some time out.
Runners do their laps on the Ringallee, better known as the marathon course. Couples spend romantic hours on a pedal boat ride on the castle pond. Boys and girls can let off steam in the huge adventure playground or get to know different animal species in the petting zoo. Young and old alike can swing their clubs on the mini golf courses. Friends open picnic baskets on the large public meadow.
The moated castle itself has a tranquil bird island, which brings smiles to faces in the summer months. The former noble residence, which has been a listed building in its current form since 1984, now houses a restaurant and halls for cultural events as well as the Gladbeck City Museum in the gatehouse and manor house. It presents the development of the town from the Middle Ages to the present day, with a focus on the history of mining.
Highlights in the calendar of events
In summer, a day trip to the nearby open-air swimming pool is a good idea, as it is just a few minutes' walk away. On certain dates in April, September and November, visitors can stop off at the art and craft tents in the castle courtyard. The Wittringer Garten- und Kunsthandwerkertage, the "Kunst am Schloss" event and the "Märchenhafte Weihnacht" are highlights in the calendar of events.
