Dyck Castle, Jüchen, Germany

Schloss Dyck is a moated castle in the Rhineland region of Germany. The history of the castle began in 1094 when the knight Hermannus de Disco was mentioned in a record of the Archbishop of Cologne as the lord of a simple fortification. Over time the site was converted into a fortified moated castle.

In 1383 the castle was besieged by the cities of Aachen and Cologne, as well as by the archbishop Friedrich III von Saarwerden and Duke William I of Guelders and Jülich. They accused Lord Gerard van Dyck of being a robber knight. When Gerard van Dyck died without male offspring, the castle was inherited by Johann V von Reifferscheidt, the ancestor of the counts and princes of Salm-Reifferscheid. This family owned the castle for more than 900 years until it became the Centre for Garden Art and Landscape Design in 1999. The last heiress of the family, Countess Marie Christine Wolff Metternich, turned it over to a foundation to secure the future of the castle.

The castle is the center of Salm-Reifferscheid-Dyck, a former independent territory located between the Electorate of Cologne, Guelders and Jülich. The small territory was called 'Dycker Ländchen' and is still recognizable for its unique cultural landscape.

The main building, the forecourts, and the outbuilding and the stables are spread over four islands. In the 17th century the castle was turned into an early baroque residence. Count Salentin of Salm-Reifferscheid extended the main building into a four-wing complex; stables, watch rooms, and the brewery were renewed. In the 18th century, Schloss Dyck became a Rococo residence, with fine tapestries and exquisite furniture. Unfortunately not everything has been saved: the famous library was sold at an auction in 1992, as was the armory and weapons collection.

The complex is surrounded by an English landscape garden created by prince Joseph zu Salm-Reifferscheidt-Dyck. The castle and the park are open for visitors. The complex also includes a hotel that hosts many venues and meetings.

References:

Wikipedia

User Reviews

Stefankai Spoerlein (2 years ago)
Schloss Dyck. One of the finest parks in the area. And the picturesque water castle sits perfectly nestled in the middle of it. Well preserved and curated plants, trees and meadows. You can stroll for 1-2 hours and won't be fatigued. A small wood, bridges over brooks, a make-shift swing hanging from a crooked tree and even a zen garden, all waiting to be discovered. A small maze and a water playground has been recently paired with some outdoor facilities, such as a small low-rope garden. The highlight are the special events during spring, autumn, harvest, for Halloween and christmas and when the pictures have been taken in September at Lichterfest. A well-organised and marketed illumination festival. There is a very good restaurant and during events also stalls and drinks near the grand terrace. A hotel and a hall also allow for wedding parties to make Schloss Dyck an unforgettable part of your (married) life. You can also buy some fine presents, plants, trees and garden furniture at the stores at the entrance/exit and delicious local produce, especially apples from the castle's plantages. Abundance of parking spaces available.

Azian Shariff (2 years ago)
This castle has a beautiful park on its ground. There are plenty of deck chairs for the visitors to relax on. It is just as amazing as some of the castles in Loire Valley, France.

Kateryna Babenko (2 years ago)
It was rose festival garden with a local market products and alive music. And for sure thousands of different flowers to buy? Atmosphere of the event was fantastic! Ticket for one adult plus one kid was 15€. You can stay there the whole day for sure. My recommendation!

Lukas Göbel (3 years ago)
A wonderful place. Especially beautiful in autumn and spring. Large park and garden - perfect to slow down and take a deep breath. Free admission with Düsseldorfer Art:Card.

MDT (3 years ago)
Amazing hotel located within a deal German palace (“Schloss”). Stunning gardens (which you can visit even when they are closed to the public and you have them all for yourself), with great playgrounds for the kids. The rooms are large, with huge bathrooms and Ritual amenities. Breakfast is on demand, but sufficient. This is a fabulous place to spend some nights.

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