Westerburg Castle brings together several centuries in a single complex: its roots date back to a 12th-century fortification, while the Great Hall was not completed until the late 15th century. In Westerburg, the Burgmannenhaus adds a perspective on historic domestic life among the upper social classes to this architectural history. If you are looking for accommodation in the town, you can make cultural history a local focus and, if you wish, broaden your perspective to the wider Westerwald destination.
Westerburg Castle: architectural history and current use
Westerburg Castle was first documented in 1192 and is based on a 12th-century fortification. These two details mark different historical reference points: the year of the first documentation is not the same as the origin of the complex. Surviving features include a chapel area dating from the early 13th century and the Great Hall, completed between 1476 and 1483.
The castle is privately owned. Its garden is a destination for excursions, and renovated rooms on the upper floor are used for celebrations and seminars. Check the current arrangements for visiting the castle garden before your visit.
Burgmannenhaus: another perspective on the town’s history
The Burgmannenhaus in Westerburg’s upper town is one of the town’s oldest buildings; it dates from 1607. Following its restoration, it became a venue for cultural events and preserves the historic character of a residence belonging to the upper social classes. While Westerburg Castle draws attention to different construction phases and parts of the building, the Burgmannenhaus offers a window into historic domestic life. Prior arrangements may be required for cultural events; check the arrangements for each event as you plan your visit.
More to explore across the wider Westerwald destination
The wider Westerwald destination offers its own cultural, natural and geological attractions alongside Westerburg’s town history. Stöffel Park is a former basalt quarry site of around 140 hectares in the Westerwald, combining industrial heritage, the history of the Earth and nature. The TERTIÄRUM at Stöffel Park displays fossils, including the famous “Stöffel mouse.” The fossils document around 25 million years of Earth’s history.
The Westerwald Ceramic Museum presents the history of working with clay; the objects on display mostly originate from a Westerwald clay pit. Visitors can get creative under expert guidance in a well-equipped museum workshop. Check the workshop programme and booking conditions before your trip. In Hachenburg, the Hachenburg Experience Brewery offers beer experience tours and brewing courses; individual dates can be arranged by telephone. Confirm current arrangements directly with the brewery.
The landscapes of the Westerwald also vary: Holzbach Gorge is a breakthrough valley about one kilometre long, with basalt walls up to 30 metres high; the Westerwald Lake District is a natural area with seven ponds. For hiking, the WesterwaldSteig and Druidensteig offer different route lengths and stage arrangements. The WesterwaldSteig is 235 kilometres long and has 16 stages. The Druidensteig runs for 94 kilometres in seven day stages through seven river valleys and features more than 30 geo-information points. Checking the current route planner and information about the geo-points can help you plan your hike.
Discover more destinations: Hillscheid, Niedersayn, Höhr-Grenzhausen, Kadenbach, Wallmerod, Nordhofen, Langenhahn, Meudt
Back to the overview of the wider destination: Westerwald.
