Top 7 Castles around Hersdorf

Lissingen Castle near Gerolstein is a fascinating Komoot highlight for cyclists and culture enthusiasts in the Volcanic Eifel region. Perched high above the Kyll River, the upper and lower castles tell a vibrant history, ranging from Roman origins and a medieval moated castle to today's successful restoration and use. Originally founded as a Roman settlement around the 2nd century, the first castle was built between the 10th and 13th centuries. It was first documented in 1212, as the property of the knightly family of Liezingen. The castle was more than just a fortified structure: moats fed by the Kyll and Oosbach rivers made it a true moated castle. In 1559, the property was divided into the lower and upper castles – a situation that continues to this day. In the 17th century, the Lower Castle received its current Baroque-Renaissance manor house and characteristic tithe barn. During the Napoleonic era, the right of lordship was lost, but later both parts of the castle were reunited. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, the complex served as an agricultural and dairy center, including its own small power plant from 1906. Today, after extensive restoration, the Lower Castle is a living open-air museum with a castle courtyard, mill (including the court bakery), manor house, barns, mill race, and a historic power plant. Visitors can book guided tours, sample bread baked in a stone oven, or attend events such as weddings and exhibitions. A sculpture trail in the castle meadows completes the experience. The Upper Castle, a private residential and cultural complex, is also privately owned. Guided tours and vacation rentals are available upon request. Lissingen Castle is an ideal stopover for cyclists on the Kyll Valley Cycle Path or Eifel tours: located directly on the trail, with parking nearby and refreshment options. Visitors not only enjoy the picturesque architecture, but also experience the transformation from Roman origins to monastic fiefdom and commercial agricultural operation to today's living cultural heritage. Practical information: The lower castle can be visited regularly almost year-round (please check opening hours and guided tours in advance), the upper castle only by appointment. Food and drink are available at the castle mill/court bakery – perfect for a rest stop while cycling through the Eifel.

I would like to see this castle from the inside!

Super steep ascent and descent to the castle, with the turbocharged e-bikes and be careful on the descent.

Situated on a mountain spur projecting into the Nims Valley, Schönecken Castle had the task of securing the southern border of the territory of the Prüm Prince Abbey and controlling the Bitburg-Prüm road leading through the valley. Its founders were the Counts of Vianden, who were mentioned as Prümer bailiffs (patrons) as early as 1132. The construction of the castle may have been started as early as the 12th century, but the first half of the 13th century is more likely. Source: https://www.eifel.info/a-burgruine-schoenecken

The Bertradaburg is named after Charlemagne's grandmother, Bertrada the Elder. Bertrada the Younger is said to have stayed here when her son, who later became Charlemagne, was born. For the history of Bertradaburg see e.g. https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bertradaburg. And for the history of the village, which flourished in the Franconian era, see http://www.gemeinde-muerlenbach.de/geschichte.html. There you will also find the link to the question: Was Charlemagne born in Mürlenbach? (http://www.gemeinde-muerlenbach.de/assets/files/geburtsort_kdg.pdf)

It is best to ask beforehand if you are interested in a guided tour of the castle, as this is privately owned.

Beautiful view and wonderfully suitable for a break on a longer round.

The castle is being restored, it should be clarified beforehand whether exposure is now possible.