Burg Hausen, Medieval castle in Heimbach, Germany

Burg Hausen is a fortification on elevated ground near Heimbach with stone walls, towers, and crenellations. The complex extends across multiple levels and shows typical features of medieval defensive architecture such as ramparts and reinforced entrances.

Hausen was a Jülich ministerial castle whose origins reach back at least to the 14th century, when the lords of Hausen, relatives of the Jülich marshal Dietrich Schinnemann von Aldenhoven, held it. In 1348 the squire Gerlach von Hausen appears in a document. In the 15th century it passed to the von Berg family, and in 1534 Agnes von Berg brought it to her husband Johann Kolff. Around 1571 Dietrich Kolff built the four-winged quarry-stone complex.

The castle displays features of medieval fortification design that remain visible in its walls and towers today. Visitors can observe how the architecture reflected the daily life and defense needs of a noble family.

The site can be partially explored on foot, though paths are uneven and steep in places. Comfortable shoes and time to wander are important, as there are no direct connections between all areas.

The south gate was not part of the medieval castle: it was moved here in 1853 from the demolished Haus Rath near Mechernich and built from sandstone blocks bearing the Nesselrode/Harff coat of arms. The water-filled moats survived in part into the 20th century.