Castles & palaces

Of knights and princesses

The many castles and palaces in the Rhine, Moselle and Eifel region seem to have fallen out of time. High up on mighty cliffs or hidden in dense forests, nowhere else is the density as great as here.

Immerse yourself in bygone eras and experience first-hand what life must have been like in a castle or palace. Various guided tours and events are not only great fun for the little ones, but also for the grown-ups.

In addition to the stars among the castles and palaces, such as Eltz Castle or Bürresheim Castle, discover the many small and lesser-known buildings and be enchanted by their centuries-old charm and magic.

The beautiful Genoveva Castle still dominates the townscape of Mayen today. Above the market square, it can be seen from afar with its 34-metre-high Golo tower. Deep underground, the Eifel Museum provides interesting information on the formation and use of the Eifel and all kinds of interesting facts about slate and slate mining.

Bürresheim Castle, located in the dreamy Nettetal valley, has been the backdrop for many films. Various guided tours invite you to stroll through the various well-preserved rooms.

Another castle awaits you in Sayn. As part of the Sayn Cultural Park, the castle, Sayn Castle and the Sayn Ironworks are a cultural highlight on the Rhine. The Königsstuhl in Rhens is no less steeped in history. As the scene of the elections of German kings, it still offers an impressive view of the Rhine Valley today.

Thurant Castle and Ehrenburg Castle look down proudly and defensively on the Moselle.

As legend has it, a young knight and a beautiful maiden once met above Brodenbach, fell in love and kissed. Today, the Ehrenburg castle stands on the spot where the lovers swore eternal fidelity and is waiting to enchant you.

Thurant Castle in Alken is just as imposing with its two twin towers. The vineyards on the sunny side are just one of the castle's special features that are waiting to be discovered.

One of the most remarkable and enigmatic buildings on the Moselle is the Matthias Chapel in Kobern-Gondorf. Once built to house a relic, it has been repeatedly renovated and restored over the centuries. Today, it is one of the most important late Romanesque chapels in the Rhineland.

" Eltz Castle is the quintessential German knight's castle and probably one of the best-known buildings beyond the country's borders. Construction began in the 9th century and it still stands in all its beauty today. No war has been able to damage it and the armory and treasure chamber with its priceless gold and silver work can still be admired today.

Food and drink is also provided

At many castles, you have the opportunity to take a break in an adjoining café or restaurant and indulge in culinary delights. Thanks to good connections, it is often possible to travel by public transport and leave the car behind. However, the perfect alternative is to combine a visit to a castle or palace with a hike.