Are you interested in exploring historic castles? These are the must-see castles in North Rhine – Westphalia:
1Poppelsdorf Palace
BonnPoppelsdorf Palace, located in the Poppelsdorf district of Bonn, western Germany, is a Baroque building that is now part of the University of Bonn. This historical structure adds a touch of elegance and grandeur to the university campus, making it a point of interest for visitors. 2Altena Castle
AltenaAltena Castle is a significant historical site located in the town of Altena in North Rhine-Westphalia. The castle, which is a medieval hill castle, is situated on a spur of Klusenberg hill, near the Lenne in the Märkischer Kreis. This location offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore a piece of history while enjoying the beautiful surrounding landscape. 3Frankenberg Castle
AachenThe Frankenberg Castle, also known as Burg Frankenberg, is a historical site located in the Frankenberg area of Aachen Mitte, a district of Aachen, Germany. The castle's name originates from the concept of a 'Franke', a type of castle that did not owe fealty to any others. However, shortly after its construction, the castle became a fief of a Graf, equivalent to a Count, and later belonged to the Duchy of Jülich-Cleves-Berg. 4Gladbeck City Museum / Wittringen Castle
GladbeckWittringen Castle, also known as Schloss Wittringen, is a unique architectural marvel located in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, near the city of Gladbeck. This fortified castle is surrounded by water, providing a picturesque setting that is sure to captivate any visitor. Its strategic location and historical significance make it a notable point of interest for those exploring the region. 5Morsbroich Museum
LeverkusenThe Museum Morsbroich is a contemporary art museum situated in Leverkusen. It was inaugurated in January 1951, making it the first modern art museum in the Federal Republic of Germany after the end of the Second World War. 6Hohenlimburg Castle
HagenHohenlimburg Castle, located in North Rhine-Westphalia, is a unique historical site as it is the only hilltop castle in Westphalia that has been largely preserved in its medieval original state. This makes it a significant destination for those interested in medieval architecture and history. The castle's location on a hilltop offers picturesque views, earning it the nickname 'Westphalian Heidelberg'. 7Schloss Benrath
DüsseldorfSchloss Benrath (Benrath Palace) is a Baroque-style maison de plaisance - a pleasure palace - in Benrath, a borough of Düsseldorf. The palace was built for the Elector Palatine Charles Theodor and his wife, Countess Palatine Elisabeth Auguste of Sulzbach.Construction of the palace began in 1755 and 8Schloss Berleburg
Bad BerleburgSchloss Berleburg, situated in the rural town of Bad Berleburg in Germany, is the official residence of the Princes of Sayn-Wittgenstein-Berleburg. This historic castle, with a history spanning over 600 years, is currently occupied by Gustav, the 7th Prince of Sayn-Wittgenstein-Berleburg. The castle's rich history and its royal residents make it a fascinating destination for tourists interested in history and royalty. 9Castle Museum Nideggen
NideggenThe Castle Museum Nideggen is situated within the historic Nideggen Castle in the Düren district of North Rhine-Westphalia. This location provides a unique setting for the museum, enhancing the historical experience for visitors. 10Stadtmuseum Hattingen
HattingenThe Stadtmuseum Hattingen, located in the Blankenstein district, was opened in 2001. It is housed in the old administrative buildings that were built between 1840 and 1904. The museum is situated in the heart of the village, in close proximity to the Blankenstein Castle and Gethmannschen Garten, making it a convenient location for tourists to visit. 11Mineralogisches Museum der Universität Bonn
BonnThe Mineralogical Museum of the University of Bonn is a unique museum dedicated to minerals and is situated in the historic Poppelsdorfer Castle. This location not only provides a rich historical backdrop for the museum but also adds to the overall experience of the visitors. 12Deutsches Drahtmuseum
AltenaThe Deutsches Drahtmuseum in Altena is a unique institution, being the only one of its kind in the world. It was established in 1965 by the Altena district, following the initiative of industrialist Paul Rump. This museum offers a unique insight into the history and significance of wire in industry and everyday life. 13Wewelsburg District Museum
BürenWewelsburg is a Renaissance castle situated in the village of the same name in Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany. The castle is surrounded on three sides by the village, which is now part of the city of Büren. The castle was built in its current form between 1603 and 1609 as the second home to Prince-Bishop Dietrich von Fürstenberg. Today, the castle appears as a remodeling and inclusion of earlier buildings on the site, with the first buildings erected as early as the 8th and 9th centuries. 14Heimatmuseum Hückeswagen
HückeswagenThe Heimatmuseum Hückeswagen is situated in the eastern hall building of the Hückeswagen Castle. This location adds a historical charm to the museum, making it a unique destination for tourists interested in history and architecture. 15Städtisches Museum am Rykenberg
WerlThe Städtisches Museum Am Rykenberg – Wendelin-Leidinger-Haus is the local museum of the city of Werl. It is a place where visitors can learn about the history and culture of the city. The museum is named after Wendelin Leidinger, who was a local historian and caretaker of the house for many years. 16Schifffahrtmuseum Düsseldorf
DüsseldorfThe Maritime Museum in Dusseldorf (Schifffahrtmuseum Düsseldorf ) is one of the oldest inland navigation museums in Germany and is housed in the castle tower on the banks of the Rhine. The museum features exhibits on the ecology of the Rhine, the history of shipbuilding, and trade and travel on the 17Wilhelmsburg
HilchenbachWilhelmsburg, located in Hilchenbach, is a former Nassau residence and summer palace that was converted into an administrative building in 1776. This well-proportioned, massive Baroque building was constructed on older foundations and features a plastered facade with mineral paint, a slate-covered roof, and wooden mullioned windows. The building's history dates back to 1365, when it was a fortified house, and it was later named Wilhelmsburg after its new owner, Count Wilhelm of Nassau-Siegen-Hilchenbach. 18Museum der Stadt Lünen
LünenThe Museum der Stadt Lünen is a city institution located in Lünen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. It displays its collections in over 500 square meters in the former economic building of Schwansbell Castle. The museum offers a wide range of exhibits, including five living rooms from the period between 1840 and 1930, a cast iron collection, a toy and doll collection, a ceramics department, and agricultural and craft tools. 19Lembeck Castle
DorstenLembeck Castle, also known as Slot Lembeck, is a moated castle located in the town of Dorsten in the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia. It is situated in the Kreis Recklinghausen, on the western edge of the Naturpark Hohe Mark, a forested area between Dorsten and Haltern am See. The castle is surrounded by a moat, making it a Wasserburg, and consists of a main building and an L-shaped outer bailey (Vorburg). 20NaturGut Ophoven
LeverkusenNaturGut Ophoven, located in Leverkusen, is an environmental education center that caters to both children and adults. The center was established in 1984 on the grounds of an old manor in the Opladen district. This location offers a unique blend of history and nature, making it an interesting destination for tourists. 21Burg Dringenberg
Bad DriburgBurg Dringenberg is a significant historical site located in Dringenberg, in the Höxter district of North Rhine-Westphalia. This medieval castle was one of the most important national castles of the Paderborn bishopric, playing a crucial role in the region's history. Visitors can explore the castle's robust defensive wall and tower, known as the 'Hungerturm', and enjoy the panoramic views of the valley below. 22Swan Castle
ClevesSchwanenburg, also known as Swan Castle, is a significant landmark in the city of Cleves, situated in North Rhine-Westphalia, near the Dutch border. This location makes it easily accessible for tourists from both Germany and the Netherlands. The castle's rich history and its emblematic status in the city make it a fascinating destination for those interested in architecture, history, and culture. 23Vischering Castle
LüdinghausenVischering Castle, located in the German town of Lüdinghausen in North Rhine-Westphalia, is a Wasserburg type castle. It was constructed in 1271 with the primary purpose of defense. This historical structure offers a glimpse into the architectural style and defensive strategies of the 13th century, making it a fascinating destination for history enthusiasts. 24Burg Honrath
LohmarBurg Honrath is a historical site located in the city of Lohmar, within the Rhein-Sieg district of North Rhine-Westphalia. This castle house is nearly completely preserved, offering a glimpse into the architectural style and history of former hilltop castles in the region. 25Moyland Castle
Bedburg-HauSchloss Moyland is a neo-Gothic castle situated in the municipality of Bedburg-Hau, near Kleve in Germany. This historic castle is open to the public as Museum Schloss Moyland, offering visitors a chance to explore its rich history and architectural beauty. 26Museum Burg Linn
KrefeldBurg Linn is a water castle situated in the Linn district of Krefeld, North Rhine-Westphalia. It is located approximately five kilometers east of the city center. This historical site offers a unique glimpse into the past, with its origins dating back to the 12th century. The castle was built by the noble lords Otto and his brother Gerlachus von Lynn, making it a significant part of the region's history.