Top 16 Castles around Isselburg
Best castles around Isselburg, a municipality in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, are characterized by their historical significance and architectural grandeur. The region is home to several notable examples, including the monumental Wasserburg Anholt, a moated castle dating back to the late 12th century. These structures often feature blends of medieval foundations and baroque remodelling, set within expansive gardens and parks. The area provides opportunities to explore historical sites and natural landscapes.
Best castles around Isselburg
- The most popular castles is Anholt Castle, a castle that is considered one of the largest and best-preserved water castles in western Germany. It features a massive round "Dicke Turm" keep and houses a significant privately owned art collection.
- Another must-see spot is Landfort Estate, a historical site with a small country estate called "Het Kleine Erf." Visitors can explore a landscape park designed by Jan David Zocher Jr., featuring winding paths, surprising vistas, and remarkable old trees.
- Visitors also love Haus Aspel, a castle that evolved from an earth mound castle built around 950 into a baroque, two-wing palace complex. It is now the Spiritual Center of the Daughters of the Holy Cross, offering a place of silence and prayer.
- Isselburg is known for moated castles, historical estates, and former religious buildings. The region offers a variety of castles to see and explore, showcasing centuries of architectural and cultural development.
- The castles around Isselburg are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 1000 upvotes and over 1400 photos shared across the highlights.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
Anholt Castle
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Huis Landfort
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Haus Aspel
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The builder of the first stone castle was Count Palatine Richzio. Other owners: Archbishops of Cologne, the von Wittenhorst - Sonsfeld family (after 1686) and the congregation of the "Daughters of the Holy Cross" (since 1850). In 1850, the order "Daughters of the Holy Cross" from Liège (Belgium) bought the manor house. They followed a call to the hospital in the city of Rees. A monastery, novitiate and lyceum were set up in the castle.
During World War II the castle was badly damaged by bombs and shells. After the war ended, it served as a military hospital and hospital before the school was reopened in 1946. In 1972 the monastery and school were separated. Today the Spiritual Center of the Daughters of the Holy Cross is located there, a place of silence, prayer and encounters.
After almost 172 years, the story of the Daughters of the Holy Cross in Haus Aspel in Rees-Haldern will come to an end in 2022.
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Schloss Hueth
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Landfort Estate
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Today, several old and remarkable trees from that era still stand on the island. There are winding paths, embankments, flowerbeds, flowering shrubs, and numerous surprising vistas.
Het Kleine Erf is accessible via two distinctive bridges. One is the cast-iron bridge from 1873. This bridge was built at the Isselburg Ironworks in Germany and was restored in 2019 by order of the "Stichting Erfgoed Landfort" (Landfort Heritage Foundation). The monumental bridge at the head of Het Kleine Erf dates from the early 20th century and was designed by a member of the Luyken family.
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The name Landfort refers to a ford (a place fordable) in the Oude IJssel river. Landfort Manor was first mentioned in 1434. Since then, the size of the estate and the exterior of the buildings have changed regularly. When the Amsterdam ophthalmologist and botanist Johann Albert Luyken (1785-1867) acquired Landfort Manor in 1823, he had ambitious renovation plans. In 1825, he commissioned the renowned landscape architect Jan David Zocher Jr. (1791-1870) to design a landscaped park. The manor house itself was also redesigned, according to a plan by the Anholt court architect Johann Theodor Übbing (1786-1864), which included curved wings. J.T. Übbing also designed the oriental-style dovecote. Landfort Manor was severely damaged in 1945. In 1970, "Stichting Geldersch Landschap & Kasteelen" acquired the external site. In 2017, "Stichting Erfgoed Landfort" took over the island and the surrounding land on a long-term leasehold basis.
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The island with its small country estate is called "Het Kleine Erf" (Little Erf). When the Amsterdam ophthalmologist and botanist Johann Albert Luyken (1785-1867) acquired Landfort House in 1823, he had ambitious renovation plans. In 1825, he commissioned the renowned landscape architect Jan David Zocher Jr. (1791-1870) to design a landscape park. Jan David Zocher designed the island of "Het Kleine Erf" and the entire park. Today, several old and remarkable trees from that era still stand on the island. There are winding paths, embankments, flowerbeds, flowering shrubs, and numerous surprising vistas. Het Kleine Erf is accessible via two distinctive bridges. One is the cast-iron bridge from 1873. This bridge was built at the Isselburg Ironworks in Germany and was restored in 2019 by order of the "Stichting Erfgoed Landfort" (Landfort Heritage Foundation). The monumental bridge at the head of Het Kleine Erf dates from the early 20th century and was designed by a member of the Luyken family.
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cycling/hiking path around island house Landfort
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Guided tours of the house are possible, also in German.
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Haus Landfort is a very beautiful complex with a main house, a garden, and a separate herb garden worth seeing. There is an admission fee, and guided tours are also offered for a fee, which benefits a charitable foundation. https://www.erfgoedlandfort.nl/de/
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On the public path around the estate there are many benches that invite you to take a break and enjoy the beautiful view.
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Haus Landfort is a beautifully decorated house and the grounds around the building are beautiful to look at.
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Access for bicycles via this circular path around the Huis Landfort with a view of the bridge. There are good information boards along the circular path with information about the Haus Landfort and its history.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main historical and architectural features of the castles around Isselburg?
The castles around Isselburg, such as Anholt Castle, often feature a blend of medieval foundations and baroque remodelling. Wasserburg Anholt, for instance, is a monumental moated castle with a massive round "Dicke Turm" keep, encircled by a wide water defense. Haus Aspel evolved from an earth mound castle into a baroque, two-wing palace complex.
Which castles are particularly family-friendly in the Isselburg area?
Several castles and estates are considered family-friendly. Anholt Castle offers expansive gardens and the nearby Anholter Schweiz Wildlife Park, where visitors can observe native animals. Landfort Estate also features a beautiful landscape park with winding paths and surprising vistas, suitable for family strolls.
Can I bring my dog to the castles or nearby trails?
While specific dog policies for castle interiors may vary, the surrounding parks and trails are often dog-friendly. For example, the park around Huis Landfort is freely accessible and great for cycling and hiking with dogs. It's always best to check individual castle policies for interior visits.
What kind of art and collections can I expect to see in the castles?
Wasserburg Anholt houses the largest privately owned art collection in North Rhine-Westphalia. It features over 700 paintings, including works by masters like Rembrandt and Lucas Cranach the Elder, as well as extensive Chinese, Japanese, Dutch, and German porcelain collections from the 17th and 18th centuries, Renaissance and Baroque furniture, and an armory.
Are there gardens or parks to explore around the castles?
Yes, many castles are set within beautiful gardens and parks. Anholt Castle is surrounded by reconstructed baroque and English landscape gardens, including a water garden, boscage, and a labyrinth. Landfort Estate also boasts a landscape park designed by Jan David Zocher Jr., featuring remarkable old trees and surprising vistas.
What outdoor activities, like cycling or hiking, can I do near the castles?
The Isselburg area offers numerous opportunities for outdoor activities. You can find many cycling routes, such as those detailed in the Cycling around Isselburg guide, or explore gravel biking trails in the Gravel biking around Isselburg guide. These routes often pass by historical sites and natural landscapes, including the castle grounds.
Is there public transport available to reach the castles?
While specific public transport options directly to each castle entrance might be limited, Isselburg is a municipality in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, and generally has regional bus services. For detailed information on reaching Anholt Castle, it's advisable to check local transport schedules or the castle's official website for the most current information.
What is the best time of year to visit the castles around Isselburg?
The spring and summer months (April to November) are generally ideal for visiting, as the castle parks and gardens are in full bloom. Wasserburg Anholt's park is typically open daily during this period. Autumn also offers beautiful scenery with changing foliage. Winter visits might have limited hours for some attractions, but the historical architecture can still be appreciated.
Are there any lesser-known or 'hidden gem' castles worth visiting?
Beyond the prominent Anholt Castle, Schloss Hueth is a notable historical site, originally a 14th-century fortress transformed into a castle. It now offers holiday apartments in its former farm building, providing a unique experience. Haus Aspel, now a spiritual center, also offers a place of silence and prayer within its historic baroque complex.
What amenities, like cafes or restaurants, are available near the castles?
Many castle complexes offer amenities for visitors. Wasserburg Anholt, for example, has a hotel restaurant located in its outer castle, providing pleasant views of the surrounding greenery. You can often find cafes and pubs in the nearby towns and villages, especially around popular hiking and cycling routes.
How long should I plan for a visit to a castle like Anholt Castle?
For a comprehensive visit to Wasserburg Anholt, including a guided house tour, exploring the art collections, and wandering through the expansive gardens and the Anholter Schweiz Wildlife Park, you should plan for at least half a day, if not a full day, to fully appreciate its offerings.
Are there accessible castles for visitors with mobility concerns?
While historical castles can present challenges, some sites may offer partial accessibility. Schloss Hueth is listed as wheelchair accessible. For other castles, it is recommended to check their official websites or contact them directly for specific information regarding accessibility features and facilities.
What wildlife can be observed near the castle grounds?
Near Wasserburg Anholt, the Anholter Schweiz Wildlife Park, modeled after the area around Lake Lucerne, allows visitors to observe native animals such as bears, wolves, and lynxes along signposted routes. The extensive parks and natural landscapes surrounding the castles also provide habitats for various local wildlife.
What kind of trails are available for cycling near Isselburg's castles?
The region around Isselburg offers a variety of cycling trails. You can find easy to moderate routes like the "Small tour with great treasures" or the "Bocholter Aa River Path" in the Cycling around Isselburg guide. For those interested in gravel biking, routes like the "Bocholter Aa Riverside Trail" are available, as detailed in the Gravel biking around Isselburg guide.
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