Blankenheim Castle

Blankenheim Castle, locally known as Burg Blankenheim, lies in the village of the same name, in the North Rhine-Westphalia region in Germany.

Blankenheim Castle was built around 1115 by Gerhard I von Blankenheim on a hill overlooking the village. It was the family seat of the Blankenheim family. In 1380 the Lords of Blankenheim were elevated to nobility and made counts. The Counts of Blankenheim were related to the Counts of Manderscheid, so when the Blankenheims died out, the castle went to them through inheritance in 1468.

During the course of the next centuries the castle was rebuilt many times, which changed the medieval fortress into an almost Baroque residence. In 1794, however, French troops invaded the region and Countess Augusta of Manderscheid-Blankenheim fled with her family to Bohemia. After that the castle stood empty for a century which caused the castle to dilapidate. In 1894 consolidation works took place, partly paid for by the Prussian State.

In 1926 the castle was taken over by the German Gymnastics Association and in 1936 by the German Youth Hostel Association. They turned the castle into a youth hostel. A function it still serves today.

At present Blankenheim Castle is not accessible, only as a guest of the hostel. A simple castle but nice. Neublankenheim Castle is nearby.

Gallery