Burg Hengebach, Medieval castle in Heimbach, Germany

Hengebach Castle sits atop a greywacke rock formation and dominates the Eifel landscape with its substantial stone structure. The grounds contain multiple buildings from different periods, with ruins and restored sections showing the layered history of the site.

Godizo von Aspel-Heimbach, the first documented owner, bequeathed the castle in 1011 to Count Gerhard III of Metz. From 1016 to 1021 it served as the seat of Count Balderich, who raided from there and died at the castle in 1021. A fire in 1687 reduced it to a ruin; after 1804 the Fraikin family used it as a quarry, and reconstruction began in 1970.

Since 2009, the castle hosts the International Art Academy of Heimbach, where workshops and exhibitions bring contemporary activity into the medieval structure. You can see artists working and displaying their creations within the historic walls.

The castle stands on a 216 m ridge above the Rur valley. The northern courtyard and the buildings on Hengebachstrasse were linked to the medieval complex in 2009 by stairs and lifts, so the upper castle can be reached without climbing the old path. The International Art Academy, a restaurant and the town's wedding room share the site.

From its elevated position, views span across two core sections of the Eifel National Park and the town below. This location makes it a surprisingly good viewpoint for those willing to make the climb.