Attraction Guide: Wewelsburg Castle, Paderborn, Germany

Wewelsburg Castle Guide

Wewelsburg Castle: A Dark History, A Haunting Beauty Guide

Prepare to be captivated and chilled at Wewelsburg Castle, a Renaissance castle near Paderborn, Germany, that holds a complex and disturbing history. This triangular castle, perched atop a hill, offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside, but its walls whisper tales of occultism, Nazi ideology, and unimaginable suffering. A visit here is a powerful and thought-provoking experience, offering a glimpse into one of the darkest chapters of the 20th century. Originally built in the early 17th century, Wewelsburg Castle's history took a sinister turn in 1934 when Heinrich Himmler, head of the SS, acquired it. He envisioned it as a ceremonial center for the SS, a place of ideological training and occult rituals. Himmler ordered extensive renovations, transforming the castle into a symbol of SS power and a site for their twisted beliefs. During World War II, a concentration camp was established nearby, and prisoners were forced to work on the castle's renovations, many perishing in the process. The castle was intended to be the "center of the world" after the imagined Nazi victory. Today, Wewelsburg Castle serves as a memorial site and museum. Visitors can explore the North Tower, which houses the "Ideologies and Terror of the SS" exhibition, providing a comprehensive and sobering account of the SS's rise to power and their horrific crimes. You can also visit the former SS guardhouse, now a youth hostel, and wander the castle grounds, reflecting on the weight of history. While there isn't a specific culinary tradition associated with the castle itself, Paderborn offers a variety of traditional German restaurants where you can sample local cuisine after your visit.