Burg Wilhelmstein, Medieval castle in Bardenberg, Germany
Burg Wilhelmstein is a stone fortification that stands on the eastern bank of the Wurm River, featuring defensive walls and a round tower with visible drawbridge chains. The structure combines its medieval core with modern recreational facilities spread across the grounds.
The castle was built by Count Wilhelm IV of Jülich between 1265 and 1269 on the remains of an earlier border fortification. In 1690, French forces under Louis XIV inflicted substantial damage that prompted major structural changes during the centuries that followed.
The grounds host an open-air stage where concerts, theater performances, and film screenings take place from May through September. This cultural use has transformed the castle grounds into a place where history and contemporary events coexist.
The castle is located on the eastern bank of the Wurm River and is accessible from the North Rhine-Westphalia region. If you plan to enjoy outdoor events, plan your visit between May and September when performances are most active.
After its destruction, the castle ruin was never fully rebuilt but instead served for centuries as a stone quarry for local people. This incomplete state actually forms much of its distinctive character today.
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