Surenburg Castle in Riesenbeck: Moated Manor, Forests & Equestrian Sport

The Moated Castle Surenburg

Set in the Tecklenburger Land stands one of the finest historic buildings in the northern Münsterland: the moated castle Surenburg in Riesenbeck, a district of Hörstel. From your holiday apartment in Brochterbeck it is only a few kilometres to this picturesque manor, whose brick wings are mirrored in the surrounding moats.

The origins of the Surenburg reach back to around 1400; it was first documented in 1474 as the seat of the Lords of Langen. In 1612 it passed by marriage to the Lords of Münster, and since 1786 it has belonged to the Heereman von Zuydtwyck family, who still live there today. The oldest surviving part – the north wing of the manor house – dates from the second half of the 16th century, with the central and south wings following in the 18th century. Between 1864 and 1867 a neo-Gothic chapel was added, designed by Cologne cathedral master builder Hilger Hertel the Elder.

The castle is a private residence and cannot be visited inside – but the view across the water and a stroll through the castle park alone are worth the trip, and it makes a beautiful photo motif in every season.

Forests and trails around the Surenburg

The Surenburg lies at the foot of the Teutoburg Forest – the same range of wooded hills that surrounds Brochterbeck. Around the castle stretch mixed woodland, fields and quiet country lanes, perfect for long walks, cycling and hiking.

The moated castle is a popular stop on the Teutoschleifen, the region's certified premium hiking trails. If you want to explore further, the striking Dörenther Klippen cliffs with the legendary Hockendes Weib rock formation and the Nasses Dreieck canal junction near Bevergern are all within easy reach – and from Brochterbeck you can comfortably combine them in a single day out.

World-class equestrian sport: tournaments at the Surenburg

Around the Surenburg beats the heart of German equestrian sport. Since 1975 the Riesenbeck breeding, riding and driving club has hosted tournaments on the grounds – carriage driving has an especially long tradition here, right up to international driving events.

Right beside the Surenburg, an idea shared by Baron Philipp Heereman and multiple Olympic champion Ludger Beerbaum gave rise in 2015 to one of Europe's most modern equestrian centres: Riesenbeck International. Since 2016 it has hosted tournaments and training all year round. Highlights include the 2021 FEI Jumping European Championships, the only German stop on the 2023 Longines Global Champions Tour, German Championships, and the international indoor tournament in early October – plus around 25 national events a year.

Quiet moated castle, wide forests or thrilling top-level sport – the Surenburg combines history and nature with world-class competition. From your holiday apartment in Brochterbeck, it's all just a stone's throw away.