The imposing castle dominates the image of Blankenheim. Finds indicate that a Roman fort previously stood here. Gerhard I built the castle in 1115 above the source of the Ahr. Today the castle complex serves as a youth hostel and can be visited on request. Blankenheim Castle is located directly on the hiking trails Burgen-Route and Eifelsteig stage 6.
The Darscheid "Drees" is a "Säuerling" (acidulous water) in the middle of the forest, located near the "Lehbach" stream. The ferruginous "Säuerling" (acidulous water) passes through many layers of rock until it gushes out of the earth.