Places of interest / Burg Vondern

If you were to ask how old this important late Gothic secular building is, nobody would be able to give you an answer. Supposedly, a sanctuary with rampart and palisade stood there more than a thousand years ago. The current structures can be traced back to various eras, most probably starting with the 13th century, and thus present historians with several riddles. The gate building and the southern defence wall, which were erected at the latest during the 16th century, exhibit a defence-oriented purpose with strong curtain walls and crenels and late Gothic ornaments visible in cornices, windows and arches.  The great hall was built in Baroque style late 17th century, using an older façade as rear wall. Only part of the original moat is still in existence. After Burg Vondern had fallen into disrepair, the historic parts were preserved and brought back to life as part of a concerted effort involving Germany’s federal government, North Rhine-Westphalia, the City of Oberhausen and a support group by 1995. Situated between the Osterfeld marshalling yard and federal autobahn A42, Burg Vondern is not only an interesting witness to the passage of time. It is also a worthwhile destination for anyone who likes to go on walks and bicycle tours.Guided tours by arrangement, office hours at Burg Vondern: every Thursday, 6 to 7 PM in the manor house.