Arloff Castle

Arloff Castle is a medieval fortified structure on the banks of the River Erft in Bad Münstereifel in North Rhine-Westphalia. The building features Gothic architectural elements with thick defensive walls, corner towers, and a water system that once protected the compound from attack.

The castle first appears in written records in 1278 when it was granted as a fief to nobleman Gerlach of Dollendorf by the Archbishop of Cologne. Over the following centuries, it was rebuilt and expanded while maintaining its role as a fortified stronghold in the region.

The castle's thick walls and corner towers reflect the building style that local nobles preferred in this region during the Middle Ages. Visitors walking through the grounds can see how the design prioritized defense while still allowing daily life within its walls.

The site is reachable by local roads and sits between flat farmland to the north and the forested hills of the Eifel region to the south. Visitors should wear sturdy walking shoes and come prepared for outdoor conditions since the grounds are explored on foot.

The castle's original water system drew water directly from the nearby River Erft into the moat, ensuring a constant defensive barrier. Parts of this system remain visible today and show how castle dwellers cleverly used natural water sources for both protection and supply.