Experience Ehrenburg Castle

Travel back to the Middle Ages

Ehrenburg Castle is enchanting! It always has been. With its jester days, archery competitions and banquets, this medieval setting quite rightly advertises itself as a living castle. BY CARMEN SADOWSKI.

The Mosel is a magical river. Behind almost every wall and every vineyard along its banks lies a story that has been told for hundreds of years. Imposing castles quite literally stand out, presenting themselves as the settings for many a legend; Ehrenburg Castle is one of the liveliest of these. A ghost named Stiller Heinrich is said to exist there. And the story of its origin, based on a secret kissing nook, is legendary. But these aren’t the only reasons why droves of medieval history enthusiasts flock to the forests of the Hunsrück upland near Brodenbach.

A medieval gem

On all Sundays and public holidays from Easter to All Saints' Day, forging, pottery and flatbread baking take place in the castle's courtyards and bastions. Maids in period costume serve drinks, catapults are fired. The sound of lutes fills the air, and the chef roasts delicious food over a crackling fire. The term “living castle” is used to describe this gem set within historic walls, which has presided on a rock spur above the Ehrbach Valley for over 860 years

Cultural heritage

Watched over by the fortified keep, visitors young and old succumb to the magic of Ehrenburg Castle. This is what the non-profit Freundeskreis der Ehrenburg (Friends of Ehrenburg) is committed to. “The association has been taking care of the castle’s restoration and development since 1992 to ensure that it is preserved for posterity as an important testimony to our history,” explains managing director Ann-Christin Schlaug.

For, like was the case for so many other castles on the Mosel, French troops blew up parts of the Ehrenburg back in 1689. The ruin was rebuilt piece by piece and furnished in such a way that, surrounded by antique furniture and ancestral portraits, you really do feel like you’re in a medieval castle.

Hotel with original chambers

It is even possible to stay overnight in one of the thirteen historic chambers – with modern comforts such as heating and shower included. Those who prefer a more natural setting can choose to spend the night in a medieval traveling carriage.

Medieval crafts

There is so much to experience, whether you are a hotel guest or not. From Easter to All Saints Day, the lords of Ehrenburg invite you to Sundays filled with the hustle and bustle of castle life, with crafts and plenty of fun. In addition to this, minnesingers (medieval lyrical poets) and minstrels are there to celebrate special themed festivals throughout the year. For example, the Hexenfest (Witches’ Festival) on May 1 or the Gauklertage (Jester Days) at the beginning of October. “Our aim is to take visitors back to a time long gone and make it possible for the Middle Ages to be experienced as authentically as possible," explains the managing director. And this is certainly the case. Whether it's through baking using herbs available at the time or through archery, when you realize for yourself just how difficult it is to hit a target with arrows. It's a genuine medieval world, far removed from everyday life

Murder mystery dinner and cabaret

It’s true that the program offered is particularly geared towards families with children. However, classic literature, music, both old and new, and cabaret take centre stage at regularly held cultural events. For these, the castle's great hall, vaults and keep become stages. For the legend of the Nibelungen for instance. Or for the Erlking upon his steed. And for the mystery dinner event, actors and chefs present a feast for both palate and ears according to old traditions.

Weddings at Ehrenburg Castle

Couples can say “I do” at the castle. This is when the legend of the kissing nook comes into its own. Because, according to legend, this is the spot where a knight once met an enchanting young lady. It is said the two fell instantly and forever in love with each other there. Filled with joy, the nobleman decided to build a castle on the rock in question. Then, whilst clearing the site, an ancient stone pillar was unearthed, on which it is said there was an inscription foreseeing the happiness of the couple and even the building of a castle. Since that time, legend has it that couples who kiss in the kissing nook will stay together for the rest of their lives.

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