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 fortress was first documented in 1074 and served various rulers as a residence and stronghold for centuries in the Eifel region. It eventually declined in importance and was abandoned as the area's political landscape changed.
The castle stones were repurposed for town reconstruction following the 1831 fire, demonstrating the direct connection between the fortress and local architecture.
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.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
