Castles around Winnen are situated in the Westerwaldkreis district of Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany. This region, part of the broader Westerwald-Sieg holiday area, features a landscape characterized by forests and valleys. While Winnen itself does not host major castles, the surrounding area offers several historical sites. The region provides opportunities for exploring historical architecture and enjoying the natural environment.
Last updated: May 11, 2026
Highlight • Castle
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Highlight • Lake
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Highlight • Castle
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Highlight • Castle
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Highlight • Castle
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more castles around Winnen.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Absolutely worth seeing in our area 🙏‼️
1
0
The first predecessor of the present-day castle was built shortly before 1340 as an allodial property of the von Neuroth family of castle knights. In 1584, after several changes of ownership, it passed by inheritance to the lower noble family of Brambach. This united the associated estates with those of an older ministerial family of Neuroth, who had already established a farmstead elsewhere in the district before 1222. Furthermore, the House of Brambach acquired other scattered rights to the small settlement, thus creating a unified estate. In 1687, Johann Philipp von Brambach sold the castle for 13,000 Rhenish guilders to Wilhelm Rheinhard Freiherr von Walderdorff. The family, elevated to the rank of Imperial Lords in 1660, was pursuing a strategy at this time of consolidating its holdings around its ancestral seat, Molsberg Castle. The acquisition of the Neuroth estate likely falls within this context. Since the time of the Brambach family, and from the second half of the 19th century onward under the Walderdorff family, the estate served as a secondary residence for the family. When no family members resided there, it housed foresters and administrators of the count's estates. The tenants of the adjacent farmyard were responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of the manor house. The Walderdorff family still owns the estate today. They continue to use it as their residence and farm numerous fields in and around Bilkheim.
1
0
solid paths around it - from May even accessible up to the tower
1
0
Awesome. There is also a (summer) restaurant in the castle
1
0
There is NOTHING here. Why are there so many false and unnecessary highlights????
1
0
Built around 1320 as part of the former city wall by the Counts of Nassau-Dillenburg, the castle passed through the hands of various Nassau lines, e.g. B. also as a widow's residence and hunting lodge. Later it was a reformed prayer hall, barracks for Napoleonic soldiers and a school building, and most recently it is now the seat of the local administration. The associated old kifche was unfortunately demolished. In the oldest part, the tower, there is a local museum with late Gothic frescoes that is well worth seeing. Opening hours at: https://turmmuseum-mengerskirchen.de/oeffnungszeiten.htm
0
0
@Horst do you have any more pictures of the castle? I would be interested in that. LG
0
0
While Winnen itself does not host major castles, the surrounding Westerwald-Sieg holiday region offers several historical sites. These include medieval fortifications, moated castles, and Renaissance residences, providing opportunities for historical exploration and scenic views.
Yes, several castles are suitable for families. Mengerskirchen Castle, for instance, incorporates a Civic Hall and Tower Museum. Ellar Castle, beautifully restored, offers a nice facility and views from its walls that families can enjoy.
The region features a variety of historical castles. You can find early medieval hilltop castles like Freusburg Castle, which now serves as a youth hostel. There are also imposing moated castles such as Crottorf Castle and the unique Hofgut Neuroth Moated Castle, the only one of its kind in the Westerwald district. Renaissance castles like Friedewald Castle also dot the landscape.
Yes, there are notable castle ruins. The Lahr Castle ruins are located above the Wiedtal valley and can be reached via a short walk. Additionally, the Oberneisen Castle Ruins in the Aartal valley are impressive remains of a Gothic castle house, freely accessible year-round.
The area around Winnen offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for mountain biking, cycling, and road cycling. For example, there are MTB trails around the Krombach Reservoir, cycling routes around the Wiesensee, and road cycling tours through the Gelbachtal Valley. You can explore more options in the MTB Trails around Winnen, Cycling around Winnen, and Road Cycling Routes around Winnen guides.
Yes, several castles in the region are privately owned but can still be admired. Crottorf Castle, an imposing moated castle, has parts of its grounds open to visitors. Schönstein Castle, towering over the Sieg river, is privately owned but notable for its architecture. Hofgut Neuroth Moated Castle is also privately owned but is a beautiful sight for walkers.
Hofgut Neuroth Moated Castle is a baroque moated castle built in the 17th century. It is notable as the only one of its kind in the Westerwald district, offering a unique architectural experience.
Mengerskirchen Castle, built between 1321 and 1341, currently serves as the seat of the municipality of Mengerskirchen. It incorporates a Civic Hall and a Tower Museum, offering a blend of historical context and modern community use.
Access varies by castle. Some, like Mengerskirchen Castle, have public areas like a museum. Others, such as Waldmannshausen Castle, which serves as a school camp, are typically only viewable from the outside. Privately owned castles like Crottorf Castle may have limited public access to their grounds.
The castles and their surrounding areas can be enjoyed throughout the year. Spring and summer offer pleasant weather for exploring the grounds and nearby trails. Autumn provides beautiful foliage, while winter visits can offer a unique, serene atmosphere, especially for ruins like Oberneisen Castle, which are freely accessible year-round.
Yes, some castles offer excellent viewpoints. Ellar Castle, for example, provides a nice view of the land from its castle wall. The ruins of Lahr Castle also offer scenic views over the Wiedtal valley.
Visitors appreciate the historical significance and the scenic beauty of the castles. Many enjoy the well-maintained facilities, the opportunity to explore ancient architecture, and the beautiful views from castle walls. The integration of some castles into modern community life, like Mengerskirchen Castle, also adds to the experience.


Looking for the best castles somewhere else? Discover other guides around Winnen: