Olbrück Castle, Niederdürenbach, Germany

Olbrück Castle is a hilltop fortress with a diamond-shaped floor plan. The central feature of the castle is the 34m high main tower, which dates back to the mid-14th century and is the oldest preserved part of the structure. Today, these rooms serve as museum spaces where visitors can learn about the construction history and function of castles. From the tower's roof, visitors have a panoramic view of the Rhine River to the east, the Ahr Mountains to the north, and the volcanic landscape to the south. On clear days, the Cologne Cathedral is even visible.

The castle was probably built originally in the 12th century. After several owners and reconstructions in the Late Middle Ages, During the Thirty Years' War, the castle was captured and devastated by Swedish troops in 1632. It was recaptured by Spanish and Electorate of Cologne troops under Graf Ernst von Isenburg-Grenzau in January 1633. Partially collapsed in 1660, the castle was subsequently restored under the supervision of Capuchin friar Bonitius from Linz.

User Reviews

Anton Generalov (2 years ago)
The castle is under restoration thus entrance is free. One can use stairs to climb up to the observation deck on the tower. Apart from that, there’s nothing else to do in the castle.

Moritz Reiser (2 years ago)
pretty nice view

Danielle Herzner (3 years ago)
Very interesting and interactive. Shop/Cafe is closed (temporarily?) And the information inside the tower (all floors) are broken. Couldn't go on roof because of bees swarming

Ben Mottram (3 years ago)
Classic ruin on the top of a hill. Currently being refurbished so no charge for entry.

Thuur VandeVelde (5 years ago)
Great place to visit, very nice view. The road to get there is a bit too small, crossing with cars is tricky.

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Photo from Flickr, copyright discopalace

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Sigmaringen Castle

Sigmaringen Castle was first mentioned in the year 1077 in the chronicles of Petershausen monastery. The oldest parts of the castle are concealed beneath the alterations made during the 17th and the 19th centuries. The secret of the earliest settlement built on this defendable rock will never be fully revealed: large-scale excavation work would be necessary, which the extensive land development renders impossible. Judging from the many Roman remains unearthed in the area around Sigmaringen, the 12th century keep known as the 'Roman Tower' could be traced back to a Roman predecessor.

The castle remains that have been preserved (gate, great hall and keep) date back to the Staufer period around 1200. The castle remains were integrated into subsequent buildings. The foundations of the castle buildings are to a large extent identical to the surrounding castle wall.

These remains give us a good idea of how the castle might have looked during the 12th century.

Olbrück Castle

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