ネッタースハイムの洞窟・トップ20

From the keep you have a great view

A visit is worthwhile and the 83 steps up the tower are also

Blankenheim Castle is a castle complex above the municipality of Blankenheim in the Eifel. It was built as a hilltop castle around 1115 by Gerhard I and was the ancestral seat of the Blankenheim family.

Bad Münstereifel, also known as Outlet City, is a very lively Eifel town. Many outdoor shops and fashion stores are located in the city center. A lot was destroyed in the 2021 flood, but much more has been rebuilt/reproduced here than in many other affected communities.

In addition to the many events, the castle also has a history. Experts consider it to be the best preserved moated castle in the Rhineland in its original structure, a gem of Rhenish castle building and a monument to aristocratic culture and way of life. Setzvey Castle is a typical moated castle, such as those built by the ministerial nobility in the 14th and 15th centuries in the lowlands, while the high nobility built hilltop castles that were difficult to conquer. The lack of a mountain as a natural obstacle for attackers had to be replaced by moats that were difficult to overcome. For this reason, moated castles were usually built on two islands and were almost always located near a stream that supplied the moats with water. The more heavily fortified main castle was therefore additionally protected by the outer castle on the second island.

The ascent from the valley to the castle complex is definitely worthwhile. Those who are not so good on foot can approach the castle from the direction of Hönningen. There is a parking lot directly in front of the castle gate.

Assuming the weather is good, the platform on the keep of Reifferscheid Castle offers fantastic views of the northern Eifel. You can get here, for example, on the Eifel loop "In the footsteps of the robber barons".

The ruins of the formerly proud Reifferscheid castle, which crowns the town of the same name, give an impressive idea of the former size of the complex and the power of the castle lords. The keep has been preserved and is accessible. From up there, there are wonderful views of the North Eifel.