Burg Langendorf, Moated castle in Langendorf, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany

Burg Langendorf is a late Gothic moated castle three kilometres west of Zülpich. Since the moat between the outer bailey and the manor was filled and the bailey was joined to the main house in 1882, the complex forms a four-winged layout around a rectangular courtyard. The two-storey manor, about 8 by 25 metres, stands on a high basement; its south-east half and the round corner tower date from the 15th century, while the north-west half has a timber-framed upper storey and a chapel oriel.

The castle first appeared in records in 1240 as property of the Count of Jülich and later came under the von Gertzen family. Over the centuries it was repeatedly rebuilt, with major renovations happening in the 1800s.

The name comes from the Langendorf family who held power here for centuries. The rooms still show how residents lived and worked, especially in the vaulted basements where important gatherings took place.

Visits happen only by prior arrangement for groups, so you should contact the administration early to plan your tour. The access allows you to examine the Gothic architectural details and vaulted structures up close.

One wing of the castle dates back to the 16th century and displays original stone walls and roof construction, making it a rare example of medieval building techniques. These early elements are all the more noteworthy because many other parts of the structure were completely renewed later.