Schloss Bürresheim palace

In the Middle Ages,Bürresheim Castle was actually a fortress—that is, both a knight’s residence and a defensive structure. Nevertheless, the term “castle” is certainly appropriate here, as the magnificent interior of this Rhineland residential castle transports visitors to times gone by and makes them dream of Cinderella. Since the Middle Ages, generations of residents have contributed an extensive collection of furniture, as well as numerous paintings and other decorative items, to the castle’s furnishings.

Like all castles, Bürresheim Castle consists not only of a single building, but of a keep, numerous walls, gates, towers, and passageways, as well as a great hall and, in addition, a superbly preserved 17th-century administrative building. Throughout the castle’s eventful history, parts of it were repeatedly added to and remodeled. After the last owners transferred the castle to the state of Rhineland-Palatinate, extensive renovation work was carried out, including the restoration of the original Baroque gardens.

Bürresheim Castle as a Film Set

Bürresheim Castle is exactly how one imagines a real fairy-tale castle: built on a hill in the middle of a large, secluded forest clearing, it suddenly appears before visitors. It is therefore no surprise that Bürresheim Castle offers the perfect backdrop for filmmakers from all over the world and, with its beautiful park, original interior, and numerous towers, has frequently served as a film set. An exterior shot of the castle can be seen in *Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade*. In the film, it represents the fictional Brunwald Castle on the German-Austrian border, where Professor Henry Jones Sr. is held captive. In the children’s film “The Prince and the Whipping Boy,” it appears as the king’s castle from which the prince and the whipping boy escape. Filming for the WDR fairy tale movie “Rumpelstiltskin” also took place at Bürresheim Castle, and the commercial for “4711 Echt Kölnisch Wasser” features the Baroque garden and the castle in the background. In 2023, the ARD Christmas fairy tale “The Fairy Tale of the Magic Flute,” starring Jessica Schwarz and Michael Kessler, was filmed here.

Opening Hours – Information – Tips

You can find the current opening hours and admission prices here!

Admission is only permitted as part of a guided tour.

Dogs are not permitted on the grounds of Bürresheim Castle.

Hiking Tip:
Bürresheim Castle is located on the“Förstersteig” scenic trail. This hiking trail, which begins and ends in Mayen-Kürrenberg, runs 15.5 km around Mayen.

Family tip:
We can also arrange a child-friendly activity program—such as a birthday party or project week—upon request.

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Weddings at Bürresheim Castle

It’s rare to find an ancient castle today that has stood alone for hundreds of years in an unspoiled and undeveloped landscape, with streams and wooded hillsides.
Bürresheim Castle was never conquered or ravaged. Generations of a noble family, who lived here until 1938, amassed a rich collection of furnishings and paintings. Thus, a unique testament to Rhenish aristocratic and residential culture has been preserved to this day.
The castle courtyard enchants visitors with its richly colored half-timbered architecture and varied roof shapes, featuring slate roofs and spires. The music room in the administrative building offers a unique historic setting for civil wedding ceremonies.

Information and site tours:

Bürresheim Castle Administration
Phone 02651 76440
buerresheim@gdke.rlp.de

Information from the registrars at the Vordereifel Municipal Association regarding weddings at Bürresheim Castle is available here!