Have you ever thought about what to do on the weekend? How about visiting a castle? There are many impressive castles in North Rhine-Westphalia that will fascinate you with their history and architecture. In this article, we present the five most beautiful castles in North Rhine-Westphalia that are perfect for a relaxing day out.
1. Castle Nordkirchen
in Nordkirchen
The castle was built by Friedrich Christian von Plettenberg between 1703 and 1734 from brick and sandstone to plans by Gottfried Laurenz Pictorius and Johann Conrad Schlaun. It is considered one of the most important Baroque castles in Westphalia, with elegant architecture and extensive French-style gardens. The magnificent arcaded courtyard and ornately decorated rooms are particularly worth seeing. Today the castle is used by various cultural institutions as a venue for exhibitions, concerts and weddings. Some scenes from the film Spencer were also filmed here, bringing additional international attention to the castle.
Tickets:
Adults: 5 €
Children 6–12 years: €2.50
Children under 6 years: free
Opening hours:
May to September:
Mon. to Friday (on Wednesday only in the morning)
from 09:30 to 12:30
from 14 to 17 o’clock
Sat. from 09:30 to 12:30
October to April:
Mon. to Friday: from 09:30 to 12:30
Mon., Tue., Thu.: from 14:00 to 17:00
2. Castle Drachenburg
in Königswinter
Drachenburg Castle was built between 1882 and 1884 in the neo-Gothic style and is picturesquely situated on the Drachenfels rock. The castle impresses with its fairytale architecture and offers a breathtaking view over the Rhine Valley. The magnificent halls and extensive castle park are particularly worth seeing. Today, the castle serves as a museum and venue for exhibitions and concerts, and if you are looking for something special, Drachenburg Castle is the right place for you. You have the unique opportunity to spend the night in this centuries-old, magnificent building and immerse yourself in a world full of fairy tales and myths.
Tickets:
Adults: 10 €
Children 6–12 years: 8 €
Family ticket: €25.00
Opening hours:
January to March: from 12:00 to 17:oo
April to November: from 11:00 to 18:00
December: from 12:00 to 17:oo
- closed from 16.12. to 31.12
3. Castle Benrath
in Düsseldorf
Built between 1755 and 1773, Benrath Palace is an outstanding example of Rococo architecture. The palace’s delicate pink color, typical of the period, emphasises the playful lightness of the Rococo style. Today the elegant building, surrounded by a large French-style park, serves as a museum and important cultural venue. The annual Benrath Festival of Lights is also famous, when the palace and park are transformed into a spectacular sea of lights. The magical atmosphere attracts many visitors every year and makes the palace appear in a whole new light.
Tickets:
Adults: €14.00 (cheaper online)
Students under 30: €11.50
Children and teenagers 7–17 years: €7.50
Children under 6: free
Opening hours:
Mon., Tue., Sat., Sun.: from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Friday: from 14:00 to 17:00
4. Castle Augustusburg
in Brühl
Built between 1725 and 1769, Augustusburg Castle is a rococo masterpiece and an outstanding example of 18th century architecture. The building was designed by the famous architect Balthasar Neumann and features a magnificent facade and ornate interiors. The palace, which is surrounded by an extensive French-style park, has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1984. Of particular note is the imposing staircase, one of the outstanding architectural monuments of the Rococo period. Today, the Augustburg is not only a museum, but also a popular venue for cultural events and exhibitions.
Tickets:
Adults: 11,00 €
Children and students up to 25 years: free
Opening hours:
Tue. to Fri.: from 09:00 to 16:00
Sat., Sun. and public holidays: from 10:00 to 17:00
- The castle is only open from March 3rd to the end of November!
5. Castle Paffendorf
in Bergheim
Paffendorf Castle is a beautiful Renaissance moated castle. It was originally built as a castle in the 12th century and rebuilt in the Renaissance style after a fire in 1536. The architecture with pilasters, bay windows and Gothic arches and the surrounding moat give the castle a special fairy tale atmosphere. Today, it is a cultural center that shares its history and beauty with visitors.
Tickets:
Free
Opening hours:
April to September: from 10:00 to 19:00
October: from 10:00 to 17:00
November to March: 10:00 to 17:00 (weekends and public holidays only)
Did you like our recommendations for the most beautiful castles in NRW? Not only have you discovered impressive buildings, but you can also learn more about the history and culture of the region! We hope you enjoy exploring and discovering the fascinating castles of North Rhine-Westphalia!
