Castle Lichtenberg

Castle Lichtenberg is a fortified structure with a square stone keep positioned on a limestone hilltop south of Maastricht. The site includes remains of the keep and surrounding buildings spread across the elevated terrain, providing views of the landscape beyond.

Construction started in 1212 under Hugo de Pierrepont, Bishop of Liège, with the lower portion of the keep built from flint and stone materials. After 1640, the site lost its military purpose and became a residential and agricultural holding.

The ruins tell the story of how the castle shifted from military use to civilian life over the centuries. Walking around the site, you can sense how ordinary people eventually made this fortress their home and farm.

The site is freely accessible to visitors with walking trails and signage to guide your way. Part of the complex can be rented as holiday accommodation if you want a deeper experience of the place.

The limestone quarrying operations of the ENCI company since 1922 placed the castle next to a steep, bare limestone cliff face. This industrial neighbor creates an unusual contrast between medieval ruins and modern extraction activity.