The only triangular castle in Germany that is still a closed structure today recalls times gone by with two exhibitions. Historical exhibits in the south and east wings illustrate the development of the Prince-Bishopric of Paderborn. On the castle forecourt, a memorial and memorial site focuses on various atrocities planned and committed by the National Socialists around the Weserrenaissance castle from 1933 onwards.
A dark chapter of German history overshadows Wewelsburg Castle in Büren, but perhaps this is precisely why it is worth a visit as a place of historical learning and experience above the Alme Valley: parts of the so-called Schutzstaffel (SS) of the NSDAP stayed in the 17th century Weser Renaissance castle between 1933 and 1945. Reichsführer-SS Heinrich Himmler wanted to turn it into a central ideological meeting and training center.
He had a concentration camp built in the Wewelsburg district in order to be able to carry out the planned conversion work during the Second World War. At least 1285 people died in the vicinity of the historic building, which was blown up on Himmler's orders in March 1945 and only rebuilt piece by piece a few years after the end of the war.
Documents, uniforms and construction plans
Today, the former guardhouse on the castle forecourt with its permanent exhibition "Ideology and Terror of the SS" still bears witness to the atrocious acts that were committed or planned in the immediate vicinity. The memorial site comprehensively covers the history of the SS with exhibits such as documents, uniforms and construction plans. A cramped feeling can still be felt today as you walk through the educational rooms.
Those interested in culture and history can currently find another museum in the south and east wings of Wewelsburg Castle - the modernized Historical Museum of Paderborn Abbey. It focuses on the development of the prince-bishopric, but also on the origins of Germany's only triangular castle, which is still a closed structure today.
Overnight stay in the youth hostel
If you would like to take a closer look at the history of the area and the castle in particular, the youth hostel at Wewelsburg Castle is just the place for you. With over 200 beds, conference rooms and a sports hall, it is a popular overnight destination in the region. From here, you can plan wonderful tours into the surrounding area. Sights such as the Hermann Monument in Detmold or the Externsteine near Horn are ideal starting points for a day trip.
