Former Castle Hotels in North Rhine Westphalia

The Althoff Grandhotel Schloss Bensberg has a rich and varied past, steeped in historical significance. It began its journey in the late 17th century when Prince-Elector Johann Wilhelm II commissioned its construction as a "Maison de Rétraite". Influenced by the grandeur of Versailles and Winchester Castle, this breathtaking location atop the Bensberg mountain terrace overlooks the cathedral city of Cologne, embodying a blend of majesty and tranquility. Initially intended as a hunting lodge for Johann Wilhelm's second wife, Maria-Luisa of the Medici family, the plan was revised to create an impressive castle after the prince-elector's visit to Versailles. The scale of the castle astounded visitors of the era, among whom was Johann Wolfgang von Goethe.

However, the castle bore witness to an unfortunate twist of fate. After the prince-elector's death in 1716, without ever having graced his "Rhenish Versailles", his widow returned to Italy, taking along all the artists, plasterers, and painters who were contributing to the castle's completion. As a result, the building remained unfinished, subsequently serving as a military hospital, cadet school, boarding school, and refugee center across different periods. In 1997, a significant turn of events transpired when the Aachener & Münchener life insurance company purchased the dilapidated building. With an investment of 75 million Euros, they transformed the historical edifice into an internationally renowned luxury hotel. In 2000, the Grandhotel Schloss Bensberg opened its doors, thus, inaugurating a new chapter in its illustrious history.

The castle of Hugenpoet was first mentioned as far back as the 8th century, when it used to be Charlemagne's manor house. The castle was completely destroyed during feuds in the 15th century and it was rebuilt close to its ruins. It took the shape it has today in the 17th century and it was used as a private residence first and as a temporary hosting ground for a museum later on. In the 1950s, the castle was turned into a hotel.

Vienna House Easy is set on a 15th-century castle, surrounded by picturesque rose gardens and historical structures. As the town developed throughout the years as a prominent mining town, more and more people and travellers demanded residence, resulting in the castle being turned into a hotel. The Knight's Hall is a popular meeting place to host events with an extra flair. Celebrate your special day in the fireside room with regional cuisine and fine wine.

With its high walls and towers, the castle has been standing since the 16th century. On its gate, Caspar von Fürstenberg had inscribed the words: "Foris non maneat peregrinus / ostium meum pateat viatori" which means "Do not stay outside stranger, open my door to the traveller". The castle was renovated around 1920s and by 1950s, the gardens and knight's hall opened. Feeling active? Hike the "Two Castle Trail" and discover caves, beaches and mystical castle ruins.

This hotel was opened in 1968 and was renovated in 2008. It is surrounded by a moat and an expansive park. In late 20th century, the castle passed through different owners. The castle has its own museum, Museum Anholt, brimming with antiquities and arts from the Renaissance to the 18th century. Thanks to the castle's intricate and intimate design, this is a popular destination to tie the knot.

A historically important 14th century manor, situated on the banks of the River Niers; for seven hundred years it has been owned by the Princes of Eulenburg and Hertefeld family. In 1700, it was transformed into a moated castle for optimal defensibility until 1945 when it was destroyed. From the ruins, it was rebuilt in 2005. You have a chance to stay at the Heaven's Room, a modern style room with a rooftop that can be opened to watch the sky.

This moated castle was built in the 14th century and underwent many renovations throughout the years, the last structural one being in the 1970s. For centuries, it has been the ancestral seat of the von Loë family. As it had been popular with other castles from the Medieval Ages, it has its own castle chapel and castle mill. Today, the fertile lands around the historic building is used for agriculture and forestry conservation.