What remains of Burg Luttelnau today?

Only a ruined tower survives, the Kattenturm, whose north-eastern half has collapsed, along with traces of a moat and wall.

Why is the tower called Kattenturm?

This name only appeared in the 19th century, linked to a legend of cats and the ancient Chatti tribe guarding a treasure there.

Can Burg Luttelnau be visited freely?

The site lies outdoors beside the Ruhr and is accessible, but no opening hours or fees are documented.

Where is Burg Luttelnau located?

It is located in Essen-Kettwig, North Rhine-Westphalia, on the northern bank of the Ruhr, opposite Schloss Oefte.

Kattenturm Essen

Essen

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Where: Essen

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Burg Luttelnau stands in Essen (Essen), in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. The building is a listed Baudenkmal. Its opening hours and prices have not been verified at the source yet.

The Burg Luttelnau survives only as a ruined tower, the Kattenturm, standing on a small mound by the Ruhr river in Essen-Kettwig, directly across from Schloss Oefte. Built in the 13th century from Ruhr sandstone, this square keep still rises thirteen metres high, even though its north-eastern half has collapsed. The moat and the remains of the stone ring wall that once secured the landward side are still visible on the ground. The name Kattenturm only emerged in the 19th century, tied to a later legend of cats and the ancient Chatti tribe guarding a hidden treasure.

What to know

The ruin can be viewed outdoors on open ground beside the Ruhr river, with no known opening hours or fees.
This is a single ruined tower, not a full castle: only the keep, the moat and some wall remains survive.
The site is reachable on foot from Essen-Kettwig, facing Schloss Oefte across the river.
The monument is listed as a Baudenkmal in North Rhine-Westphalia, which does not imply any visitor facilities.

Where this château is

Essen · Essen · Nordrhein-Westfalen

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This châteauChâteaux within 40 km

Address

Am Kattenturm 1, 45219 Essen-Stadtbezirke IX

Directions open from wherever you are, by car or public transport.

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Château phone number

+49 2054 83360

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4.1 / 5from 53 Google reviews

Heritage status: Baudenkmal in Nordrhein-Westfalen

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Frequently asked

What remains of Burg Luttelnau today?: Only a ruined tower survives, the Kattenturm, whose north-eastern half has collapsed, along with traces of a moat and wall.
Why is the tower called Kattenturm?: This name only appeared in the 19th century, linked to a legend of cats and the ancient Chatti tribe guarding a treasure there.
Can Burg Luttelnau be visited freely?: The site lies outdoors beside the Ruhr and is accessible, but no opening hours or fees are documented.
Where is Burg Luttelnau located?: It is located in Essen-Kettwig, North Rhine-Westphalia, on the northern bank of the Ruhr, opposite Schloss Oefte.