Burg Ulmen, Medieval castle ruin in Ulmen, Germany

Burg Ulmen is a castle ruin in the Eifel region that sits on a slope overlooking the Ulmener Maar, a crater lake. The remaining walls reveal the typical layout of a medieval fortress, with fortifications and defensive features still visible today.

The upper castle was probably built around 1000 and was first documented in 1074. Around 1200 it was home to Knight Heinrich von Ulmen, who took part in the Fourth Crusade and brought back the Limburg Staurothek, now kept in Limburg Cathedral. In 1292 a lower castle was added downhill next to it. French troops of Louis XIV destroyed the complex between 1679 and 1689; in 1822 a Cochem citizen bought it as a quarry, and stones from it were used to rebuild Ulmen after the 1831 fire.

Since 1967/68 the upper castle has hosted events, including a medieval market held every year on the last weekend of June. The site also served as a sheep market in the 19th century after the municipality of Ulmen acquired the ruin in 1852.

The ruins are accessible as an open site where visitors can freely explore and view the walls from different angles. The path uphill is somewhat steep, so wear comfortable shoes and take care in wet weather conditions.

The fortress foundation was built on volcanic rock from ancient eruptions millions of years ago that shaped the Maar crater below. This geological feature is often overlooked, yet it explains why this location was so valuable as a stronghold.