Anholt Castle

Anholt, Germany

Anholt moated castle is one of North-Rhine Westphalia's few privately owned castles. It first appears in records in the 12th century. Further extensions in around 1700 created a grand Baroque residence with the feel of a palace.

Today, the moated castle is used as a museum founded by Prince Nikolaus of Salm-Salm, which features a private collection documenting his family's history. The historical housekeeping accounts reveal a wealth of information about the original room layouts and furnishings. Apparently, the 'fat tower' was once only accessible via a rope ladder above the entrance to the dungeon. The present configuration of three upper floors probably dates from the middle of the 17th century. Gothic arches are incorporated in the external brickwork and the wall facing the 'fat tower'. The adjoining room, formerly a guard room and armoury, later became the library.

The banqueting hall has a magnificent stucco ceiling from 1665 featuring the royal coat of arms and gold ornamentation. On display in the marble room, which was created in 1910, is the majority of the china collection dating from the 17th and 18th centuries. This room is graced by gilded furniture in the high baroque style. Besides the castle, visitors can also enjoy the extensive park (34 hectares) and several baroque gardens.

Visitors today can admire the different areas of the garden, such as the water garden, the island, the maze and the wild flower meadow. With its rich variety of plants and trees, many footpaths and expanses of water, Anholt moated castle is the perfect choice for a day out. Other castles in the region include Burg Bentheim and Wasserburg Gemmen, a moated castle dating back more than nine centuries.

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Address

Schloß 4B, Anholt, Germany
See all sites in Anholt

Details

Founded: 12th century
Category: Castles and fortifications in Germany
Historical period: Hohenstaufen Dynasty (Germany)

Rating

4.5/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Leni (5 months ago)
Such a beautiful romantic place to visit ! Beautiful castle with a hotel and a nice restaurant with perfect views. We enjoyed a nice 1hr walk in the park as well.
Alessandro Torboli (5 months ago)
Magical castle in an enchanted park. Mesmerising experience visiting the huge park around Anholt castle at sunset, lights and shadows are absolutely jaw-dropping. I strongly recommend to take the challenge of the labyrinth as it's really funny and the fancy restaurant downstairs faces straight on the canal and serves delicious treats. Vividly recommended.
Maria Levitska (11 months ago)
Beautiful and peaceful place. Totally recommend it
Jennifer MacLachlan (11 months ago)
Beautiful castle. We couldn’t get in when we were there so only saw the outside from the front. Hotel on site. I think there are more interesting castles to see in the area.
Beverly K (13 months ago)
Really enjoyed visiting this castle. They had beautiful gardens and trails, waterfowl and swans, as well as a stately castle. Castle includes a hotel and restaurant.
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