Arenfels Castle

Arenfels Castle, the impressive landmark of Bad Hönningen, is set high above the town in the vineyards, visible even from afar. It was built as a fortress in 1258-59 by Gerlach von Isenburg. In the 17th century it was turned into a Renaissance Palace, and in 1849 it was renovated in Neo-Gothic style by Ernst Friedrich Zwirner, the architect of Cologne Cathedral. In that same year it was acquired by the Count of Westerholt-Gysenberg. Special features are a suspended column in the knights’ hall, a beautiful wrought – iron staircase and a magnificent marble fountain in the inner court. A peculiarity of the castle is the fact that it has 12 towers, 52 doors and 365 windows, hence the name "Jahresschloss” (year castle). As long as anyone can remember it has been the destination of hikers and romantics alike. The Schlossgarten, a park which dates from the 17th century, is characterized by a horse-chestnut avenue on the sweeping promenade to Ariendorf and the Schöne Aussicht, a lookout point where people love to have a short rest and enjoy the panorama of the river and the villages nestled in the valley. With the RheinSteig winding through the vineyards above Arenfels castle, more people than ever before enjoy the spectacular view of the castle and the river Rhine.
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