Top 14 Castles around Immerath
Best castles around Immerath. Immerath, located in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, was largely demolished for the Garzweiler II open-cast lignite mine, meaning no notable castles currently exist within the village itself. However, the surrounding region offers a variety of historical castle sites for exploration. These structures provide insight into the area's medieval history and architectural heritage. The guide focuses on castles accessible from the Immerath region.
Best castles around Immerath
- The most popular castles is Manderscheid Upper Castle, a castle…
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
Are there any castles directly within Immerath?
No, Immerath itself does not have any notable castles that visitors can explore today. The village was largely demolished to make way for the Garzweiler II open-cast lignite mine. While historical records mention a knightly family's castle in the High Middle Ages, no remains are accessible.
Which are the most popular castles to visit near Immerath?
The surrounding region offers several historical castle sites. Among the most popular are Manderscheid Upper Castle, known for its preserved outer walls and mighty keep, and Manderscheid Lower Castle, a well-preserved 12th-century ruin surrounded by the Lieser river. Visitors also enjoy the Upper Castle of Ulmen, which offers beautiful views of Ulmen.
What kind of historical sites can I expect to see around Immerath?
Beyond the castles, the region features various types of historical sites, including castle ruins, spur castles, and historical viewpoints. For example, the Steffenswarte viewing tower at the Entersburg ruins marks the site of a former spur castle with Celtic and Roman fortifications. These sites provide insight into the area's medieval history and architectural heritage.
Are the castles around Immerath family-friendly?
Yes, many castles in the region are suitable for families. For instance, Manderscheid Lower Castle is considered family-friendly, and a tour around the Ulmener Maar and the Upper Castle of Ulmen is a popular activity for all ages. The View of the Manderscheid Castles also offers a great spot for a family picnic.
Are dogs allowed at the castles near Immerath?
Yes, dogs are often welcome at the castle sites. For example, Manderscheid Lower Castle explicitly allows dogs, making it a great option for visitors with canine companions.
What natural features can I see when visiting castles in this region?
The castles are often set amidst beautiful natural landscapes. The Manderscheid castles are separated by the Lieser river, which carves a path through a densely wooded rocky landscape. The Upper Castle of Ulmen offers views of the Ulmener Maar, a volcanic lake, and is often combined with a tour around it.
What is the best time of year to visit the castles around Immerath?
The region's castles can be visited year-round, but spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures for exploring and hiking. Summer is also popular, with events like medieval festivals at the Upper Castle of Ulmen. Some castles, like Manderscheid Lower Castle, may have limited access or closures in bad weather during winter.
Are there viewpoints offering good perspectives of the castles?
Absolutely. The View of the Manderscheid Castles is a dedicated viewpoint offering excellent perspectives of both the Upper and Lower Castles. From the keep of Manderscheid Upper Castle, you also get an excellent view of the Lower Castle and the Liesertal landscape. The Upper Castle of Ulmen provides a beautiful view of Ulmen itself.
What outdoor activities can I do near the castles around Immerath?
The region around Immerath is excellent for outdoor activities. You can find numerous running trails, road cycling routes, and general cycling tours. Many of these routes pass by or offer views of the historical sites and natural features like the volcanic maars.
Are there hiking trails around the castles?
Yes, the castles are often integrated into scenic hiking routes. The Eifelsteig long-distance trail passes near the Manderscheid castles, and a tour around the Ulmener Maar and the Upper Castle of Ulmen is a popular hike. The area around the Entersburg ruins also features great, narrow paths for exploration.
Are there cafes or places to eat near the castles?
Yes, towns like Manderscheid and Ulmen, where the popular castles are located, offer cafes and other dining options. These provide convenient spots for refreshments before or after exploring the castle sites.
How can I get to the castles around Immerath using public transport?
While Immerath itself has limited public transport options due to its relocation, the larger towns near the castles, such as Manderscheid and Ulmen, are generally accessible by regional bus services. It's advisable to check local public transport schedules for specific routes and connections to the castle sites.
Is parking available at the castles near Immerath?
Parking is typically available in the vicinity of the more popular castle sites and in the nearby towns. For example, when visiting the Manderscheid castles, you can usually find parking in Manderscheid town, which is a short walk from the ruins.
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