Top 20 Castles in the Sauerland

For families, Altena Castle is an excellent choice, famous for housing the world's first youth hostel and featuring an adventure elevator that transports visitors up to the castle courtyard with mythical storytelling. Hovestadt Castle also offers a publicly accessible garden and extensive grounds for exploration.

Many castles in the Sauerland are situated on elevated positions, offering expansive views. Altena Castle, perched on a steep mountain ledge, provides impressive vistas over the Lenne Valley. Schnellenberg Castle offers commanding views over the Biggetal valley, while the Waldenburg Castle Ruins also provide a very nice viewpoint near the Biggetalsperre.

The Sauerland region is ideal for combining castle visits with various outdoor activities. You can find numerous cycling routes, such as the Lenne Route near Altena Castle, or explore the region's diverse terrain with mountain biking and running trails. For example, there are many road cycling routes, running trails, and MTB trails throughout the Sauerland.

Yes, some castles offer dining and even overnight stays. Schnellenberg Castle functions as a hotel and restaurant, featuring a restaurant in the Gobelin Hall and a Knights Hall. Altena Castle also has food and drink available. Additionally, Haus Rhade, a privately owned moated castle, offers rooms for overnight stays and events.

For a deep dive into history and architecture, Schnellenberg Castle is highly recommended as one of the largest and best-preserved castles in the Sauerland, showcasing medieval character and a 16th-century Renaissance Chapel. Altena Castle, with its museum and historical significance as the first youth hostel, also offers a rich historical experience. Schloss Eringerfeld is recognized as one of the most beautiful Baroque palace complexes in the region.

The Sauerland castles can be visited year-round, each season offering a different charm. Spring and summer provide lush green landscapes and pleasant weather for exploring the grounds and nearby trails. Autumn brings vibrant foliage, creating picturesque backdrops for the castles. While some castles might have reduced winter opening times, the illuminated Altena Castle at night is particularly beautiful during colder months.

Beyond the most popular sites, the Sauerland offers several unique castles. Wocklum Castle is a romantic site known for hosting the Balver-Optimum tournament. Wasserschloss Bruchhausen is a romantic moated castle nestled at the foot of the Bruchhauser Steine. Körtlinghausen Castle is often utilized as an event and film location, offering a different perspective on historical sites.

While many castles are best reached by car, some are accessible via public transport. Altena Castle, for instance, is conveniently located near a train station, with a signposted trail leading directly to the castle. For other locations, it's advisable to check local bus schedules or consider combining with cycling routes like the Lenne Route.

The Sauerland is home to several impressive castle ruins that invite exploration. The Waldenburg Castle Ruins, located on a hill near the Biggetalsperre, offer a great viewpoint. Arnsberg Castle Ruins are majestically enthroned in the Hochsauerland landscape, providing an impressive view and a chance to immerse oneself in history amidst picturesque surroundings.

Visitors to the Sauerland castles frequently highlight the combination of historical significance and natural beauty. The impressive architecture, comprehensive museums, and stunning panoramic views from hilltop locations are often praised. The unique experiences, such as the adventure elevator at Altena Castle, and the well-preserved medieval character of places like Schnellenberg Castle, are also highly appreciated by the komoot community.

Accessibility varies among the historical sites. Altena Castle is noted as being wheelchair accessible, partly due to its adventure elevator that provides direct access to the castle courtyard. For other castles, especially ruins or those with challenging terrain, it is recommended to check specific accessibility details before visiting.

While specific rules can vary, some castles and their surrounding areas are welcoming to dogs. Schnellenberg Castle is listed as dog-friendly, particularly its freely accessible forecourt and beer garden. For other locations, especially those with museums or indoor exhibits, it's best to check individual castle policies regarding pets.