Top 12 Castles around Strotzbüsch
Castles around Strotzbüsch offer a journey through the historical landscape of the Vulkaneifel and Moselle regions. While Strotzbüsch itself does not host castles, its location in Rhineland-Palatinate provides access to numerous historical sites. The area is characterized by its volcanic origins and river valleys, which have shaped the placement of these ancient structures. Visitors can explore a range of castles, from well-preserved medieval fortresses to romantic ruins, reflecting the rich history of the region.
Best castles around Strotzbüsch
- The most…
Last updated: May 9, 2026
Manderscheid Upper Castle
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Manderscheid Lower Castle
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View of Niederburg Castle
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Steffenswarte viewing tower at the Entersburg ruins
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Upper Castle of Ulmen
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The lower castle has completely disappeared. You can still see the beginning of the ring that connected the lower castle and the Ulmen city wall, a two-story outer wall of the palace, as well as a cistern and some foundation walls of other buildings. The old part of Ulmen Castle was built around 1074 AD and likely rests on the remains of a Roman settlement. In the Middle Ages, Ulmen Castle was further expanded and divided into the upper castle, whose remains of the walls still exist, and the lower castle, which extended to the banks of the maar river. Two knightly families lived in the castle, which is believed to have never been attacked or destroyed until 1673 due to its size. Only the Sun King's troops succeeded. It was rebuilt, but fell again in 1689 during the War of the Succession. However, Ulmen Castle was also rebuilt this time, with only the city wall being abandoned. With the invasion of Napoleon's soldiers, Ulmen also became French and later Prussian. The empty castle, whose last descendant died in 1801, was auctioned to a merchant from Cochem, who sold it as a quarry. When a devastating fire burned Ulmen to the ground in the 19th century, the residents of Ulmen rebuilt their houses with stones from the castle. That's why you can still see a coat of arms on some of the stables today. It wasn't until the early twentieth century that Ulmen Castle was declared a listed building and became the property of the municipality of Ulmen. The castle is always freely accessible.
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The Niederburg can be explored with guided tours - even at night - or on your own; it is only closed in bad weather. It was expanded into a magnificent, fortified seat of power in the 12th century by the noble family of the Lords of Manderscheid. Source: https://www.eifel.info/a-manderscheider-burgen
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The Upper Castle and the Lower Castle rise up in the Lieser valley near Manderscheid. The Upper Castle was once a state castle of the Archbishops of Trier, while the Lower Castle, around 150 years younger, served as the residence of the Lords of Manderscheid, who lived there as representatives of the Counts of Luxembourg.
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A nice viewpoint. which invites you to take a short break
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Climbing prohibited. Something could happen.
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Climbing high is really forbidden! Besides, you wouldn't see much anyway. ;-)
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From the Niederburg via the tournament meadow to the Oberburg. There you have a view of the Niederburg. Gradweg past the Kaisertempelchen! Very beautiful! Definitely recommended to be included in a hike.
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Just awesome being so close to the place and with a half day walk around and visit. For a nice stop, first check whether the castle café opposite is open; but a stop in Manderscheid is also possible.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which castles are most popular to visit near Strotzbüsch?
The most popular castles in the area are the Manderscheid Upper Castle and Manderscheid Lower Castle. These two medieval ruins stand opposite each other, separated by the Lieser river, and are frequently visited by the komoot community. Another highly regarded site is the View of the Manderscheid Castles, offering excellent perspectives of both.
Are there any family-friendly castles to visit near Strotzbüsch?
Yes, Manderscheid Lower Castle is considered family-friendly, and dogs are also allowed inside. The area around the View of the Manderscheid Castles features a meadow with a barbecue hut, perfect for family picnics. The Upper Castle of Ulmen also offers a family-friendly experience with beautiful views of the Ulmen Maar.
What kind of historical significance do the castles near Strotzbüsch hold?
The castles in the region, such as the Manderscheid castles, reflect the historical conflicts between the Electorate of Trier and the Duchy of Luxembourg. Manderscheid Upper Castle was a state castle of the Archbishops of Trier, while Manderscheid Lower Castle served as the residence for the Lords of Manderscheid. The Steffenswarte viewing tower at the Entersburg ruins marks a site where Celts and Romans are believed to have built fortifications, highlighting a long history of settlement.
Can I go hiking near the castles around Strotzbüsch?
Absolutely. The Vulkaneifel region offers numerous hiking opportunities. The area around the Manderscheid castles is particularly popular for hiking, with trails like the Eifelsteig passing nearby. You can find more hiking routes in the region by checking the Hiking around Strotzbüsch guide.
What is the best time of year to visit the castles in this region?
The spring and autumn months are generally ideal for visiting the castles and exploring the surrounding nature. The weather is usually pleasant for hiking, and the landscapes are particularly scenic. Some castles, like the Upper Castle of Ulmen, also host special events like medieval festivals in summer or Christmas markets in winter.
Are dogs allowed at the castles near Strotzbüsch?
Yes, dogs are welcome at some castles. For instance, Manderscheid Lower Castle explicitly allows dogs. It's always a good idea to check specific castle policies before your visit, but many outdoor castle ruins and their surrounding trails are dog-friendly.
What are the access conditions for the Manderscheid castles?
The Manderscheid Upper Castle is generally free to enter and offers a wonderful view of the lower castle. The Manderscheid Lower Castle is better preserved and can be explored with guided tours or on your own, though it may have an admission fee and specific opening hours (e.g., until 17:00). Surefootedness is required for visiting the Lower Castle, and torches are recommended for the tower ascent on hazy days as there is no lighting.
Are there any castles that offer panoramic views of the region?
Yes, several castles and viewpoints provide excellent panoramic views. The View of the Manderscheid Castles offers stunning perspectives of both the Upper and Lower Castles and the Lieser valley. From the keep of the Manderscheid Upper Castle, you can also enjoy an excellent view of the Niederburg, the town of Manderscheid, and the Liesertal landscape. The Upper Castle of Ulmen provides beautiful views of Ulmen and the Ulmen Maar.
What other outdoor activities can I combine with a castle visit?
The Vulkaneifel region is perfect for combining castle visits with various outdoor activities. Besides hiking, you can also find numerous cycling routes, including touring bicycle trails, around Strotzbüsch. Explore options in the Cycling around Strotzbüsch guide or the Running Trails around Strotzbüsch guide.
Are there any castles near Strotzbüsch that are not open to the public?
While many castles in the broader Eifel and Moselle regions are accessible, some are privately owned and may not be open for interior visits. For example, Kerpen Castle in the Eifel is a significant landmark but is privately owned. The Steffenswarte viewing tower at the Entersburg ruins is currently not accessible due to its dilapidated condition, though the castle site itself is freely accessible.
What natural features can I expect to see around the castles?
The castles are often nestled within the scenic landscapes of the Vulkaneifel and Moselle regions. You'll encounter river valleys, such as the Lieser river flowing between the Manderscheid castles, and volcanic features like the Ulmen Maar near the Upper Castle of Ulmen. The region is characterized by its volcanic origins, offering a unique natural backdrop to these historical sites.
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