Ruine Wittekindsburg

Widukind has gone down in the history books as Charlemagne's adversary. The Saxons defied the Frankish ruler for over 30 years (772-804). Widukind is said to have used the refuge castle near Rulle in the Nettetal valley as a retreat after a devastating defeat in 785. If you set off today on the 30-minute hike to Wittekindsburg Castle, the ruins of the foundation walls of this fortification await you in the dense forest above the Nettetal valley. Archaeological excavations in recent years have confirmed that the castle was used in the 9th and 10th centuries, even if there was obviously no permanent settlement. The complex may have actually served as a refuge for the Saxons during the war with the Franks. It is also believed that the area in the Nettetal valley belonged to the estates of the Saxon Widukind, which explains the castle's name.
The complex had several ramparts and a fortified main castle, which was protected against attackers by stone walls and round towers.

From the watermill there, you can combine a visit to the ruins with an extended hike through the beautiful Nettetal valley.