Reifferscheid Castle

This castle sits on a hilltop and is surrounded by walls and towers built from rubble stone. A central round tower stands at approximately 450 meters elevation and is guarded by a gatehouse with two smaller towers.

The first mention appears in 1106, after a regional ruler destroyed it and prompted a rebuild. Over the following decades, new fortifications were added to make it more resistant to attack.

The place takes its name from the family that lived here for centuries and shaped its character. Visitors can still see traces of this long connection in the building style and surviving walls.

The site is maintained by the local municipality and is best explored on foot, as access routes follow walking trails. Regular guided tours are available if you prefer expert explanation of the structures and history.

In 1385, the fortress withstood a three-month siege by multiple neighboring powers attacking together. This defensive achievement made it one of the region's most noteworthy strongholds.

Location: Hellenthal

GPS coordinates: 50.47680,6.46639

Latest update: December 8, 2025 21:00