Burg Berenstein, Medieval castle in Düren, Germany
Description
Burg Berenstein is a medieval castle site near Bergstein with a ring wall and moat on three sides. The structure measured roughly 130 feet by 195 feet (40 by 60 meters) and used natural rock formations as part of its defensive system.
History
Emperor Heinrich IV founded the castle around 1090 to protect imperial holdings in the region. Friedrich I Barbarossa captured and rebuilt it in 1171, marking an important change in its role.
Culture
The site reflects medieval building practices that merged architecture with natural rocky outcrops for defense. This approach shaped how people understood fortress design and the relationship between stone structures and the landscape around them.
Practical
The site is accessible on foot with open views across the surrounding countryside. There are no set opening hours since it remains an open area, making it easy to visit at your own pace.
Did you know?
Stones from the fortress were taken in 1198 to build Nideggen Castle nearby. This repurposing created a visible connection between the two sites, marked by differences in the stonework patterns.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Düren).
Hill 400
23 m
Burg Nideggen
2.5 km
Talsperre Obermaubach
2.5 km
Nideggen Castle
2.6 km
Burg Maubach
3.6 km
St. Hubertus
4.6 km
St. Johannes Baptist
2.7 km
Krawutschke Tower
24 m
Haus Kickley
1.9 km
Castle Museum, Nideggen
2.6 km
St. Gereon
4.4 km
Kölner Eifelhütte
4.8 km
Zülpicher Tor (Nideggen)
3.1 km
Heilige Maurische Märtyrer
339 m
Dürener Tor (Nideggen)
3 km
Düsterkreuz
2.2 km
St. Albertus Magnus
3.1 km
Jüdischer Friedhof Untermaubach
3.4 km
St. Christian
4.5 km
St. Apollinaris
2.6 km
St. Brigida
3.7 km
Kapelle St. Martinus (Abenden)
3.8 km
Kapelle Brandenberg
2.3 km
Rurtal von Abenden bis zum Einmündungsbereich der Rur ins Staubecken Obermaubach
2.3 km
Nationalpark-Tor Nideggen
3 km
Hochfläche und Täler bei Schmidt
3.7 km
Ruraue von Heimbach bis Obermaubach
3.2 km
Schlehbachtal mit Kaldenbach
2.1 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes