Grenzau Castle, Medieval castle in Höhr-Grenzhausen, Germany.
Grenzau Castle is a stone fortress built at about 250 meters elevation and designed with two baileys and multiple defensive rings. The structure includes inner and outer areas that show how medieval defensive fortifications were organized and built.
Heinrich I von Eisenburg founded the fortress around 1210 and gave it a name derived from Old French that means 'great joy'. Over the centuries, the defenses were enlarged and updated to match changes in military strategy and technology.
The fortress displays medieval German military design through its walls and defensive features that visitors can still see today. Its elevated position above the valley conveys the historic importance this location once held for the region.
The fortress opens on summer weekends for visitors to explore the preserved structures and surrounding grounds. Wear sturdy shoes as the terrain is uneven and there are many stairs and slopes to navigate throughout the site.
The keep of the fortress has an unusual triangular shape and reaches about 32 meters high, a rare design among German castles. This special design was meant to help the keep resist sieges and attacks more effectively.
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