Close to the border between the Eifel and Ardennes in the municipality of Hellenthal lies the castle Reifferscheid, first mentioned in 1106, a typical medieval hill castle of the Eifel region. The current complex, consisting of castle ruins, an outer bailey, and a fortified castle settlement, reflects the transformation of this former seat of power.
Near the border between the Eifel and Ardennes in the municipality of Hellenthal lies Castle Reifferscheid, first mentioned in 1106, a typical medieval hill castle for the Eifel region. The present structure, consisting of the castle ruins, the outer bailey, and the fortified castle settlement, reflects the changes of this former seat of power. On June 23, 1669, the carelessness of a soldier caused a fire that destroyed Castle Reifferscheid and large parts of the upper village. Afterwards, the castle was rebuilt as a Baroque palace. Ultimately, the castle was partially destroyed and rebuilt again during the Reunions Wars of Louis XIV. In 1805, Castle Reifferscheid was auctioned off. Increasingly exposed to decay, it then served for a long time as a quarry and fell into ruins. The well-preserved outer bailey, the ring wall with two town gates, and the remains of the castle, as well as a - almost unchanged - 600-year-old town layout, are extremely worth seeing. The Catholic parish community of St. Matthias regularly offers guided tours through the castle rampart and the church on Sundays. In St. Matthias, the Counts of Salm-Reifferscheid were buried in the 17th century. The burial place fell into oblivion and was only rediscovered in the 19th century. Every two years (in even years), the castle festival with medieval minstrel and juggler programs takes place on the third weekend of September. An annual Christmas market is held at the castle complex on the first Advent weekend. Castle Reifferscheid is located directly on the Castle Route.
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