Winneburg

Winneburg is a castle ruin overlooking the Endert valley near Cochem, with preserved wall sections, towers, and foundations of residential and service buildings scattered across the site. The layout reveals how the fortress was organized into different functional areas across multiple terraces on the hillside.

The fortress was founded in the 13th century by the Wirich von Wunnenberg family and grew into a significant regional stronghold over generations. Military conflict in 1689 resulted in extensive destruction that left only walls, foundations, and structural remnants visible today.

The name comes from a medieval noble family that once controlled this territory, and visitors today can see how different rooms and spaces reveal daily life from centuries past. Walking through the ruins shows how residents organized their living quarters within the fortress.

The site sits on a hilltop a short distance from central Cochem and requires a short walk from nearby parking or from the hiking trails that pass through the area. Sturdy footwear is recommended since the terrain is uneven and steep in places, with no guardrails along some pathways.

Archaeological findings show that this location hosted a working settlement with craftspeople and supply facilities for about 600 years, not merely a military fortress. This mixed-use character reveals daily life beyond military operations, making the site far more complex than a simple stronghold.

Location: Cochem

GPS coordinates: 50.15590,7.14275

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:48