In Grimburg, medieval castle history, a museum in the village centre and trails in the Wadrill Valley come together. You can give these themes different priorities when planning your trip: the castle offers insights into the history of the Trier territory and hiking trails; the Castle and Witch Museum explores archaeological finds and historical interpretations; and the valley provides the scenic setting for the routes.
Grimburg Castle and Its Trails
Grimburg Castle was built at the end of the 12th century as a territorial castle of Trier. The partially reconstructed complex stands on a ridge above the Wadrill Valley and marks the start of the Saar-HunsrĂĽck-Steig stage from Grimburgerhof to Reinsfeld. Climbing the tower offers views over the Wadrill Valley; access to the tower may be seasonal. Before your visit, check whether you can climb it if you are planning to enjoy the view.
The castle can generally be visited free of charge year-round. During the winter weather period from November to March, the keep, playground and toilets are closed. Guided tours explain the castle’s development and medieval life; they last about 90 minutes. Special tours suitable for children are also available. You can set aside approximately this amount of time for a tour: its focus is on history, while the tower offers views across the valley.
Grimburg Castle and Witch Museum
The Grimburg Castle and Witch Museum is located in the village centre, in an 18th-century farmhouse. The exhibition displays original finds from the castle: coins, locks, tools, household objects, dishes, jewellery, stove tiles and bricks. Everyday objects are presented alongside building components, offering a range of different types of finds from the castle.
Another key topic is the persecution of witches in the Trier region. Large-format panels and facsimiles document witch trials. The museum also documents that more than 200 men and women from the Hochwald died as supposed witches in a burning hut.
A media room explores the castle landscape in the former Electorate of Trier during the time of Archbishop and Elector Baldwin of Luxembourg. This adds a regional historical context to the museum’s coverage of the castle and its finds.
Wadrill Valley, Hiking and Cycling
The Wadrill Valley nature reserve between FelsenmĂĽhle and Grimburg covers about 213 hectares and includes parts of Grimburg. The meadows through which the Wadrill flows are also protected. The Saar-HunsrĂĽck-Steig stage from Grimburgerhof to Reinsfeld passes through the quiet, natural Wadrill Valley and offers changing views of the stream landscape.
A trail from the valley near Grimburgerhof climbs gradually towards the castle. The Saar-HunsrĂĽck-Steig also branches off in Grimburg, allowing hikers to continue along a route towards Trier. The different route connections therefore range from the course of the valley and the climb to the castle to the continuation towards Trier. Check current trail conditions before setting out on a hike.
The Ruwer-Hochwald Cycle Path is fully paved and is a route for cyclists, inline skaters and walkers. Grimburg Castle can be reached directly from it or via a detour. The hiking stage from Grimburgerhof to the Kell Reservoir meets the cycle path and offers a connecting route for visitors heading to Kell. It ends at the Kell Reservoir, which offers numerous recreational activities.
Discover more destinations: Serrig, Oberbillig, Welschbillig, Kell Am See, Zemmer, Fell, Trierweiler, Tawern.
Return to the main travel overview: Trier-Saarburg.
