Mighty castles and romantic ruins tell of knights, counts and eventful history, while churches and chapels are places of silence, faith and art. Situated high above valleys or embedded in villages and landscapes, they invite you to discover history with all your senses.
Whether fortified walls, old battlements, artistic mosaics or simple village chapels, each building has its own history and lends the region its unmistakable character. Combine your excursion with a walk, a hike or a short discovery tour and be surprised by the cultural diversity of Gerolsteiner Land.
Our historic castles
Time for a journey into the world of knights and counts! Numerous castles and castle ruins characterize the Gerolstein region and tell of power, protection and medieval life. Perched high above valleys and villages on striking cliffs, they offer sweeping views and bring history to life to this day.
Important information:
Most of the well-preserved castles are inhabited today and can therefore only be admired from the outside. The castle ruins are generally freely accessible to all visitors.
Copyright: Thomas Regnery
Schloss Oberehe
Oberehe
The castle complex was built in 1696-98 as a fortified noble estate. Even though the building cannot be entered (private property), it is worth a look through the archway.
Copyright: Touristik GmbH Gerolsteiner Land . U. Klinkhammer
Burgruine - Glaadt
Jünkerath
Open today
In the Middle Ages, Glaadt was even more important than Jünkerath, which at that time was only a hut settlement. For this reason, the counts of Blankenheim built a castle there in the 13th century, which was rebuilt into a magnificent hunting lodge at the beginning of the 17th century. However, a lightning strike in the 18th century caused it to burn to the ground.
Alfred Andersch lebte nach dem 2. Weltkrieg mehrere Jahre auf Burg Kerpen. Castle Kerpen was from 1911 to 1941 the home of the famous Eifel painter Fritz von Wille, whose grave is located above the castle. Alfred Andersch lived for several years afther the Second Worl War at the Kerpen Castle. The castle is currently privately owned and can only be visited from the outside.
The ruins of the medieval Löwenburg Castle are towering high above the City of Gerolstein. The Castle is open all year round and offers a wonderful view over Gerolstein, the dolomites massif and the kyll valley. Every two years the castle-actors stage an open-air theatre within the historical walls.
The 20-hectare park around the historic castle complex from the 12th century with dense forests, lush meadows and diverse enclosures for birds of prey, wolves and other animals.
The medieval city wall of Hillesheim from the 13th century is one of the most important landmarks of the town and invites visitors to enjoy magnificent views over the place and the Kyll Valley with its walkable battlements. After multiple destructions and a comprehensive renovation, it is now a vibrant historical site with cultural events and quality of stay.
Churches are also among the destinations worth visiting on vacation. The impressive Church of the Redeemer in Gerolstein in particular, whose interior is decorated with millions of sparkling mosaic stones, attracts visitors from near and far.
24 million glittering mosaic stones inspire thousands of church visitors every year. To protect the valuable mosaics, the church can only be visited in conjunction with a guided tour.
Copyright: Touristik GmbH Gerolsteiner Land, Leonie Post
Kapelle Wahlhausen
Steffeln
Open today
The votive chapel Wahlhausen is located about 1 km outside the village on a hill visible from afar. From there you have a wonderful view over the Gerolsteiner Land.
Book a guided tour: Church of the Redeemer Gerolstein
Simply book a guided tour of the magnificent Church of the Redeemer in Gerolstein here
Millions of mosaic tiles, which make the interior of the church glow spectacularly depending on the incidence of light, bear witness to the wealth and power of the last German emperor and make the Church of the Redeemer so worth seeing!
From 5.00 €
Erlöserkirche Gerolstein - Serviceführungen
Gerolstein
Millions of mosaic tiles, which make the interior of the church glow spectacularly depending on the incidence of light, bear witness to the wealth and power of the last German emperor and make the Church of the Redeemer so worth seeing! The church can only be visited as part of a guided tour!
