Olbrück Castle, Niederdürenbach, Germany

Olbrück Castle is a hilltop fortress with a diamond-shaped floor plan. The central feature of the castle is the 34m high main tower, which dates back to the mid-14th century and is the oldest preserved part of the structure. Today, these rooms serve as museum spaces where visitors can learn about the construction history and function of castles. From the tower's roof, visitors have a panoramic view of the Rhine River to the east, the Ahr Mountains to the north, and the volcanic landscape to the south. On clear days, the Cologne Cathedral is even visible.

The castle was probably built originally in the 12th century. After several owners and reconstructions in the Late Middle Ages, During the Thirty Years' War, the castle was captured and devastated by Swedish troops in 1632. It was recaptured by Spanish and Electorate of Cologne troops under Graf Ernst von Isenburg-Grenzau in January 1633. Partially collapsed in 1660, the castle was subsequently restored under the supervision of Capuchin friar Bonitius from Linz.

User Reviews

Anton Generalov (2 years ago)
The castle is under restoration thus entrance is free. One can use stairs to climb up to the observation deck on the tower. Apart from that, there’s nothing else to do in the castle.

Moritz Reiser (2 years ago)
pretty nice view

Danielle Herzner (3 years ago)
Very interesting and interactive. Shop/Cafe is closed (temporarily?) And the information inside the tower (all floors) are broken. Couldn't go on roof because of bees swarming

Ben Mottram (3 years ago)
Classic ruin on the top of a hill. Currently being refurbished so no charge for entry.

Thuur VandeVelde (5 years ago)
Great place to visit, very nice view. The road to get there is a bit too small, crossing with cars is tricky.

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Photo from Flickr, copyright Infomastern

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Visby Cathedral

Visby Cathedral (also known as St. Mary’s Church) is the only survived medieval church in Visby. It was originally built for German merchants and inaugurated in 1225. Around the year 1350 the church was enlarged and converted into a basilica. The two-storey magazine was also added then above the nave as a warehouse for merchants.

Following the Reformation, the church was transformed into a parish church for the town of Visby. All other churches were abandoned. Shortly after the Reformation, in 1572, Gotland was made into its own Diocese, and the church designated its cathedral.

There is not much left of the original interior. The font is made of local red marble in the 13th century. The pulpit was made in Lübeck in 1684. There are 400 graves under the church floor.

Olbrück Castle

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