Best castles around Waimes are found in the municipality of Waimes, located in the Liège Province of Belgium. This region is characterized by its dramatic landscapes, including rocky outcrops and the Warche valley, providing scenic backdrops for historical sites. The area is rich in cultural heritage, with notable structures like Château de Reinhardstein. Its geographic position offers diverse perspectives for exploring historical architecture amidst natural surroundings.
Last updated: April 27, 2026
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In the leafy months it is difficult to find a distant view of Reinhardstein Castle in the dense canopy of leaves.
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A very beautiful view of the castle, which appears like a fairytale palace on the ridge. In the summer months, this is probably the only place where you can get a distant view of Reinhardstein Castle through the light canopy of leaves.
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"When Franz-Georg von Metternich-Ochsenhausen sold Reinhardstein Castle in 1812, its fate seemed sealed. From then on, the castle was used as a quarry. What was left of the building 150 years later thrilled Professor Overloop. The scholar turned the ruins over with stone starting in 1970 Re-erect the stone. He used comparable buildings in the nearby Eifel as a model. Today Reinhardstein Castle sits on the rocky spur as proudly as it did in its heyday. Inside the castle there is an impressive collection of furniture, weapons and tapestries that can be viewed ." https://www.ostbelgien.eu/de/fiche/castle/reinhardstein
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"In 1354, Duke Wenceslaus of Luxembourg gave Reinhard von Weismes permission to build a castle on this site. Since the von Weismes family had no successors, the castle successively became the property of the lords of Zivel, Brandscheid and Nassau. Through the marriage of Anne of Nassau to Wilhelm von Metternich in 1550, the castle became the property of this important family from the Rhineland until the French Revolution. In 1812, Count Metternich, the father of the future President of the Congress of Vienna, sold the castle, which, abandoned and uninhabited, fell into disrepair over time. In 1965, Jean Overloop discovered the castle ruins almost by accident and, in his own words, it was like “love at first sight”. Within eighteen months, with the support of some enthusiastic colleagues and the expertise of regional craftsmen, he managed to rebuild Reinhardstein." https://www.reinhardstein.net/de/le-chateau
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Through the trees you have a beautiful view of Reinhardstein Castle
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This magnificent castle dating from the 14th century seems straight out of a movie. To immerse yourself a little more in the atmosphere of the Middle Ages, a visit to the castle is a must. https://www.reinhardstein.net/en/
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The castle of Monschau was probably built at the beginning of the 13th century. In the middle of the 14th century, the complex was extended and enclosed by mighty ring walls and ramparts. This almost impregnable fortress of the Counts of Jülich was besieged by Emperor Charles V in 1543 with heavy artillery and finally captured, the city was sacked. The castle was only restored to expand the weather complex of the lower castle. The Frenchmen confiscated the castle as a national asset and sold it. However, the private owners were unable to maintain the extensive complex. They had the roofs demolished in 1836/37 in order to be freed from the tax on buildings. The castle quickly fell into ruins. It was not until the turn of the century that the province tried to stop the decline. The castle was secured, repaired and renovated. After the First World War, a youth hostel occupied the west wing. The castle of Monschau as a "youth castle" thus remains lively and inviting. Christo even packed it in 1971, and it is a highlight of Monschau when the castle and town are lit up. In summer, the inner courtyard of the castle becomes the atmospheric backdrop for the "Monschau Festival". Then the performances of renowned artists and renowned orchestras transform the fortress into a real Mecca for music fans. There is a youth hostel in the castle. Unfortunately, for this reason, the building cannot be visited. But a visit to the courtyard and the fantastic view of the city are also worth it!
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The castle of Monschau was probably built at the beginning of the 13th century. In the middle of the 14th century, the complex was extended and enclosed by mighty ring walls and ramparts. This almost impregnable fortress of the Counts of Jülich was besieged by Emperor Charles V in 1543 with heavy artillery and finally captured, the city was sacked. The castle was only restored to expand the weather complex of the lower castle. The Frenchmen confiscated the castle as a national asset and sold it. However, the private owners were unable to maintain the extensive complex. They had the roofs demolished in 1836/37 in order to be freed from the tax on buildings. The castle quickly fell into ruins. It was not until the turn of the century that the province tried to stop the decline. The castle was secured, repaired and renovated. After the First World War, a youth hostel occupied the west wing. The castle of Monschau as a "youth castle" thus remains lively and inviting. Christo even packed it in 1971, and it is a highlight of Monschau when the castle and town are lit up. In summer, the inner courtyard of the castle becomes the atmospheric backdrop for the "Monschau Festival". Then the performances of renowned artists and renowned orchestras transform the fortress into a real Mecca for music fans. There is a youth hostel in the castle. Unfortunately, for this reason, the building cannot be visited. But a visit to the courtyard and the fantastic view of the city are also worth it!
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The most prominent castle is Château de Reinhardstein, spectacularly situated on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Warche valley. It's known for its meticulous reconstruction to its 17th-century appearance and houses a rich collection of period furniture, armor, and tapestries. You can get a beautiful distant view of it from View of Reinhardstein Castle.
Yes, you can explore the Haller Ruins, which are the remains of a medieval hilltop castle above the old town of Monschau. From the Haller tower, you get a beautiful view of the valley and Monschau's market square.
Beyond castles, the region offers other historical sites like the Bütgenbacher Courtyard. This protected monument, consisting of four wings of quarry stone, is the oldest building in the municipality of Bütgenbach, with parts dating back to the 15th century.
For stunning views, visit the View of Reinhardstein Castle, which offers a fairytale-like perspective of the castle on its ridge. Another excellent spot is the View of Monschau and its castle, providing a beautiful outlook over the old town from the frame mountain.
The area around Waimes is excellent for outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking, cycling, and mountain biking trails. For hiking, explore routes like the 'Pleasure tour 8: "A castle sits enthroned in the Warche valley"' or 'Botrange's great fen loop'. For cycling, consider 'Ovelo - between Amel and Warchenne'. Mountain bikers can enjoy trails such as 'View to Château de Reinhardstein – Robertville Lake loop'. You can find more details on these and other routes in the hiking guide, cycling guide, and MTB guide for Waimes.
Château de Reinhardstein offers immersive guided tours and hosts vibrant events like medieval festivals, concerts, and archery, which can be engaging for families. Additionally, viewpoints like View of Monschau and its castle and View of Monschau Castle from Laufenbach are generally accessible and enjoyable for all ages.
Guided tours at Château de Reinhardstein typically last about 1 hour and 15 minutes, allowing visitors to explore its history, chambers, and collections. You might want to allocate additional time to enjoy the surrounding scenery and the nearby Reinhardstein waterfall.
The castles around Waimes, particularly Château de Reinhardstein, are worth visiting year-round. The dramatic setting is beautiful in all seasons. Summer offers lush greenery and clear views, while the castle also hosts special events during the Christmas season with festive decorations. Hiking trails around the castles are enjoyable in spring, summer, and autumn, but check weather conditions for winter visits.
Château de Reinhardstein is unique for several reasons: it's spectacularly situated on a rocky outcrop, making it the highest castle in Belgium. Its remarkable reconstruction from ruins by Professor Jean Overloop in the 20th century, based on historical documents, is a testament to passionate preservation. It also houses an extensive collection of period artifacts.
Absolutely. A 5km 'Panorama on the Warche' trail offers diverse perspectives of Château de Reinhardstein and its impressive exterior. Many other hiking routes in the region, such as those listed in the hiking guide for Waimes, provide scenic views of the historical landscapes and fortresses.
For a deeper dive into the history of Château de Reinhardstein, including its origins in 1354 and its ownership by the Metternich family, you can visit the official website or consult resources like Wikipedia or Castles.nl.


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