Top 20 Castles in the Vulkaneifel

Lissingen Castle near Gerolstein is a fascinating Komoot highlight for cyclists and culture enthusiasts in the Volcanic Eifel region. Perched high above the Kyll River, the upper and lower castles tell a vibrant history, ranging from Roman origins and a medieval moated castle to today's successful restoration and use. Originally founded as a Roman settlement around the 2nd century, the first castle was built between the 10th and 13th centuries. It was first documented in 1212, as the property of the knightly family of Liezingen. The castle was more than just a fortified structure: moats fed by the Kyll and Oosbach rivers made it a true moated castle. In 1559, the property was divided into the lower and upper castles – a situation that continues to this day. In the 17th century, the Lower Castle received its current Baroque-Renaissance manor house and characteristic tithe barn. During the Napoleonic era, the right of lordship was lost, but later both parts of the castle were reunited. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, the complex served as an agricultural and dairy center, including its own small power plant from 1906. Today, after extensive restoration, the Lower Castle is a living open-air museum with a castle courtyard, mill (including the court bakery), manor house, barns, mill race, and a historic power plant. Visitors can book guided tours, sample bread baked in a stone oven, or attend events such as weddings and exhibitions. A sculpture trail in the castle meadows completes the experience. The Upper Castle, a private residential and cultural complex, is also privately owned. Guided tours and vacation rentals are available upon request. Lissingen Castle is an ideal stopover for cyclists on the Kyll Valley Cycle Path or Eifel tours: located directly on the trail, with parking nearby and refreshment options. Visitors not only enjoy the picturesque architecture, but also experience the transformation from Roman origins to monastic fiefdom and commercial agricultural operation to today's living cultural heritage. Practical information: The lower castle can be visited regularly almost year-round (please check opening hours and guided tours in advance), the upper castle only by appointment. Food and drink are available at the castle mill/court bakery – perfect for a rest stop while cycling through the Eifel.

As always, castle ruins have a strong attraction for me. I can hardly escape their magic.

The exact origins of Kerpen Castle are shrouded in the mists of history. It is considered very likely that its builder was Sigibertus de Kerpene, first mentioned in documents in 1136, or his son Heinrich I (1142–1177). However, an exact construction date cannot yet be given.

Very pretty little town but unfortunately absolutely dead.

In the Eagle and Wolf Park Kasselburg, visitors can experience everything to do with wolves, eagles, falcons and other birds of prey. Here you can learn how conflict-free coexistence between humans and wild animals is possible. A visit to the Eagle and Wolf Park is something extraordinary that you won't forget in a hurry. See: https://adler-wolfspark.de/

The Kasselburg is the ruin of a hilltop castle on a 490-meter-high basalt rock in Pelm near Gerolstein in the Vulkaneifel district of Rhineland-Palatinate. See: http://www.adler-wolfspark.de/

In 1670 the castle was badly damaged by a lightning strike in the Powder Tower. It was occupied by the French on July 6, 1691, but was recaptured on August 5 of the same year. Gerolstein is destroyed in the process. In 1840 the castle was also known as Jungkernburg. The remaining remnants of the wall were partially demolished in the 18th century and further destroyed in the Second World War. Today only a few remains remain, but they have been restored. Excerpt from Wikipedia

The complex consists of the privately inhabited front castle and the ruins of the main castle behind it, accessible via a wooden bridge, from which there is a good view of Gerolstein and the rocks of the Munterlay.