Schloss Paffendorf castle

The Paffendorf Castle in Bergheim offers a variety of leisure activities. The brasserie caters for the physical well-being and in the castle park there are old redwood trees to marvel at. Guided tours of the Rhenish mining area also start here in the permanent exhibition. Due to water damage, the permanent exhibition is closed until further notice (as of 08.07.2022).

First mentioned in a document in 1230 as Vogtei Paffendorf, the Renaissance-style complex is completely surrounded by moats. The main building period was in the mid-16th century, and in the 18th and 19th centuries the horseshoe-shaped outer castle complex and a large number of neo-Gothic elements were added.

Today there is a brasserie in the castle. Coffee and cakes as well as light meals are offered both in the interior rooms and in the castle courtyard with a view of the park. Other rooms in the castle house the RWE Power AG information centre with an exhibition on the Rhenish lignite mining area and the recultivation research centre, as well as rooms for other exhibitions. Open-air concerts, Christmas markets and more are held in the inner courtyard. The premises and the open spaces can be used for private and corporate events of various kinds.

The 7.5 ha castle park with forestry teaching garden is characterised by extensive water areas, old redwood trees, ginkos and giant live trees. In addition to a stone pavilion, there are numerous places to sit and linger during a walk.