Top 6 Castles around Sassen
Best castles around Sassen are found in the Vulkaneifel region of Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany. This area is characterized by its volcanic landscape, featuring maars (volcanic lakes) and historical sites. The region offers a blend of natural beauty and ancient architecture, providing opportunities for exploration and historical discovery. Visitors can explore castle ruins that offer insights into the area's past and panoramic views of the surrounding Eifel landscape.
Best castles around Sassen
- The most popular castles is Nürburg Castle, a castle…
Last updated: May 24, 2026
Upper Castle of Ulmen
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Nürburg Castle
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The castle ruins are well worth seeing and you even have …
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View of Ulmen, Ulmen Castle and the Ulmener Maar
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View of Nürburg Castle
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Idyllic location with high geological information value regarding Eifel volcanism.
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One of the youngest maars in the Eifel region nestles picturesquely against the small town of Ulmen with its castle ruins and church right on the shore - idyllic and simply beautiful!
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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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Great area for e-bike riding was fun
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Here is a nice rest area with a view of the Ulmener Maar.
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From here you have a beautiful view of the impressive Nürburg.
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Here you can relax with a great view of the Ulmener Maar
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The Nürburgring is a legendary race track in Germany that is a magnet for car and motorsport fans.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are some notable castles to visit around Sassen?
The Sassen area, located in the Vulkaneifel region, offers several historical castle sites. Nürburg Castle, built on a basalt rock, dates back to 945 AD and provides panoramic views from its 20-meter high donjon. Another significant site is the Upper Castle of Ulmen, where you can explore ruins with views of Ulmen and the Ulmener Maar.
What is the historical significance of the castles in the Sassen area?
The castles around Sassen are deeply rooted in the region's history. Nürburg Castle is particularly notable, being mentioned as early as 945 AD, making it one of the oldest in the area. These medieval ruins offer insights into the ancient architecture and past of the Vulkaneifel region.
Are there good viewpoints or natural features near the castles?
Yes, the region combines historical sites with natural beauty. From the donjon of Nürburg Castle, you get a panoramic view that includes the Nürburgring. The Upper Castle of Ulmen offers views of Ulmen and the Ulmener Maar. There are also dedicated viewpoints like View of Nürburg Castle and View of Ulmen Old Town and St. Matthias Church, which provide stunning vistas of the castles and the volcanic landscape.
Are there family-friendly castles or activities around Sassen?
Yes, several sites are suitable for families. The Upper Castle of Ulmen and the View of Ulmen Old Town and St. Matthias Church are categorized as family-friendly. Exploring the castle ruins and enjoying the scenic views can be an engaging activity for all ages.
What outdoor activities can I do near these castles?
The Sassen area, with its volcanic landscape, is excellent for outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for hiking, gravel biking, and running. For instance, there are moderate hiking trails like 'Grenzen, Galgen und Geschichte' or easy routes around the Playhouse by the Lake. You can explore more options on the Hiking around Sassen, Gravel biking around Sassen, and Running Trails around Sassen guide pages.
Are there hiking trails near the castles?
Absolutely. A recommended activity is a tour around the Ulmener Maar and the Upper Castle of Ulmen. For more extensive hiking, you can find various trails, including easy to moderate options, that allow you to explore the natural beauty and historical sites of the Vulkaneifel region. Check the Hiking around Sassen guide for detailed routes.
What do visitors enjoy most about the castles around Sassen?
Visitors frequently appreciate the panoramic views offered by the castle ruins, especially from the 20-meter high donjon of Nürburg Castle. The scenic locations, often overlooking maars or the Eifel landscape, are also a major draw. The historical significance and the opportunity for a pleasant walk around sites like the Ulmener Maar are also highly rated.
When is the best time to visit the castles in the Sassen area?
The best time to visit can depend on the specific castle. For Nürburg Castle, the main season is from April 1st to October 31st, when it's open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (closed Tuesdays). During November and March, it's open on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., but it's closed in December, January, and February. Always check specific opening hours before your visit.
Is parking available near the castles?
For Nürburg Castle, parking is available at the foot of the castle hill, which is approximately a 10-minute walk to the entrance. For other castles and viewpoints, parking availability may vary, but generally, there are options nearby for visitors to access these sites.
Are there any special events or markets at the castles?
The Upper Castle of Ulmen is known to host a very nice Christmas market in winter and a medieval festival in summer, offering unique experiences beyond regular visits.
Can I book a guided tour for the castles?
Yes, for Nürburg Castle, guided tours can be booked for groups of 10 or more. You can arrange this by calling 01716449644.
Are any of the castles wheelchair accessible?
Nürburg Castle is listed as wheelchair accessible. However, given the nature of ancient ruins and the terrain, it's always advisable to check specific accessibility details for other sites if you have particular needs.
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