Top 20 Castles around Viersen

🏰 The moated castle Haus Neersdonk in Tönisvorst (Vorst district) is an impressive example of Lower Rhine aristocratic culture and is considered one of the best-preserved manor houses in the Niers lowlands.

A remarkable residential complex has been created here from old walls. Old can also be harmoniously combined with new.

Gastendonk House, a knight's residence known since 1348, was built in the late Middle Ages. The complex is located on the northwestern border of Orbroich, bordering Kempen. Late medieval elements are still preserved in the gatehouse. The main building was completely renovated in the 19th and 20th centuries. An archaeological investigation revealed that the fortifications in the late Middle Ages apparently consisted of an earthen rampart. The gatehouse and interior structures were probably made of brick. Otherwise, traces of construction from the 16th and 17th centuries can still be seen today – such as the rectangular flanking towers with loopholes built at the two front corners. Late medieval shards were found during archaeological investigations. Source and link to the full article: https://www.krefeld.de/de/inhalt/bekannte-und-unbekannte-burgen-aus-dem-mittelalter-in-krefeld/ In the far northwest of Krefeld's city limits, in the Hüls district of Orbroich, lies Gastendonk Castle, which has been a private residential complex since 2001, probably unknown to most Krefeld residents. Karl Heußen, a local from Hüls, published the interesting history of the old moated castle in the Hüls Heimatblätter (local newspaper). Source and link to the full article: https://rp-online.de/nrw/staedte/krefeld/von-der-ritterburg-zur-wohnanlage_aid-18041645

I haven't been there yet, but it's recommended. I'll give it a try.

The Gastendonk moated castle is located in the northeast of the Kempen district of St. Hubert, right on the city limits of Krefeld. It is a former knight's seat, the origins of which can be traced back to around the year 1000. The name with the suffix "Donk" indicates that the first building was located on a natural elevation in a water-rich area, a name that is very common on the Lower Rhine. The first documented mention of the name Gastendonk dates back to 1274. In the 14th century, the knight's seat was owned by the Knights of Eyll.

History Before the construction of the castle and its immediate predecessor castle on the current site, Krickenbeck Castle, also known as alde Borch or Alt-Krickenbeck, was located about two kilometers south on the Nette. The first documented owner of this castle was Heinrich Graf von Krickenbeck, son of Count Gerhard II of Wassenberg in 1104. The next documented count of Krickenbeck Castle was Reginar von Krickenbeck (1149-1167). His daughter Alveradis von Krickenbeck-Millendonk married Friedrich Graf von Berg-Altena. Their son Adolf I, Count of the Mark, Altena and Krickenbeck, sold the "Bona de Crikenbeke" to his brother-in-law Otto von Geldern in 1243. On March 3, 1243, Count Otto von Geldern acquired it from Count Adolf von der Mark. At this point, the Old Castle appears to have already been destroyed or at least become uninhabitable, as it is no longer mentioned. It is unclear why the old castle, which was certainly still inhabited by Count Reginar.

Classically beautiful and touristy castle town. Known nationally and correspondingly well attended.

The Neersdonk house is a castle-like former aristocratic residence northwest of the Vorst district of Tönisvorst in the Hecke settlement. The Vorster residents also call the property “the castle” for short. It is one of four former mansions in the Vorster area and is one of the numerous mansions and castles that stand along the Niers in the lowlands. (Source: wikipedia.org)