Reichsburg Cochem

Reichsburg Cochem is a hilltop castle in Cochem, Germany, rising above the Moselle on a steep forested slope with towers and residential wings. The structure includes an octagonal tower, vaulted passages, and furnished rooms arranged around an inner courtyard.

The site began as a toll fortress around the year 1000 and later became an imperial holding. After French troops demolished the structure, a Berlin merchant purchased the ruins and commissioned a reconstruction in the 1860s and 1870s.

The name traces back to the imperial castle status granted centuries ago, visible today in heraldic symbols throughout the interior. Visitors see how 19th-century wealthy families reimagined medieval life through elaborate furnishings and decorative schemes.

The castle sits at the top of a steep footpath from the town center, taking about 15 minutes to climb. Tours cover multiple floors and narrow staircases, so comfortable shoes and steady footing help.

A tunnel system runs beneath the town, originally linking the fortress to a nearby monastery over a distance of about one kilometer. This underground passage served as an escape route and supply corridor during sieges.

Location: Cochem

Architectural style: Gothic Revival

Elevation above the sea: 136 m

Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible

Website: http://burg-cochem.de

GPS coordinates: 50.14220,7.16694

Latest update: December 14, 2025 17:17