Ehrenburg Castle

BY CARMEN SADOWSKI

Ehrenburg Castle is truly enchanting! Just as much today as it was in days gone by. Whether it’s the jugglers’ days, archery competitions or the courtly banquets. This medieval playground rightly prides itself on being a living castle.

The Moselle is a magical river. Behind almost every wall and every vineyard on the riverbank lies a story that has been passed down for hundreds of years. The defiant castles – of which Ehrenburg is arguably the liveliest – stand as literally outstanding settings for many legends. There is said to be a ghost there called ‘Silent Heinrich’. Yet even the story of its origins, centred on a mysterious kissing niche, is legendary. But that is by no means the only reason why hordes of enthusiastic medieval fans are drawn to the Hunsrück forests near Brodenbach.

Every Sunday and public holiday from Easter to All Saints’ Day, the courtyards and bastions come alive with blacksmithing, pottery-making and the baking of fragrant flatbread. Maids dressed in period costume serve drinks, and catapults are fired. The sound of lutes fills the air, whilst the head chef sizzles up delicious dishes over a crackling fire. ‘Living Castle’ is the name given to this spectacle within the historic walls, which have towered over the Ehrbach Valley from a rocky outcrop for over 860 years.

Sheltered by the fortified keep, visitors of all ages are captivated by the magic of Ehrenburg Castle. The non-profit Friends of Ehrenburg Association is dedicated to this cause. “To ensure that the castle is preserved for posterity as an important testament to our history, the association has been overseeing its restoration and reconstruction since 1992,” explains managing director Ann-Christin Schlaug.
Like so many other castles on the Moselle, parts of Ehrenburg Castle were blown up by French troops in 1689. The ruins were rebuilt piece by piece and furnished in such a way that, surrounded by antique furniture and portraits of ancestors, one really does feel as though one is in a knight’s castle.

You can even spend the night in one of the thirteen historic chambers, just as the noble ladies and gentlemen once did – with modern comforts such as a shower and heating included. Those who prefer a closer connection to nature can opt to stay in a medieval travelling carriage.

There’s plenty to experience, even if you’re not a hotel guest. From Easter to All Saints’ Day, the lords of Ehrenburg invite you to their Sunday castle festivities, featuring crafts and loads of fun. In addition, minstrels and entertainers celebrate special themed festivals throughout the year. These include the Witches’ Festival on 1 May and the Jugglers’ Days in early October. “Our aim is to transport visitors back to a bygone era and bring the Middle Ages to life as authentically as possible,” explains the managing director. And they succeed. Whether it’s baking with herbs that were available back then, or realising for yourself whilst trying your hand at archery just how difficult it really is to hit the target with arrows. It’s a true medieval dream, far removed from the rest of the world.

Whilst the programme is aimed particularly at families with children, classic literature, music both old and new, and cabaret are also showcased at the regular ‘cultural gems’ events. On these occasions, the Knights’ Hall, the vaults or the keep serve as stages. For example, for the Legend of the Nibelungs. Or the Erl-King on horseback. And at the murder mystery dinner, actors and chefs present a feast for the palate and the ears, prepared according to traditional recipes.

Couples can tie the knot at the castle. That’s when the legend of the ‘kissing alcove’ comes into play. For, according to the legend, a knight once met an enchanting young lady at this very spot. The two fell madly in love with one another on the spot. Because the nobleman was so happy, he decided to build a castle on this very rock. And then this happened: whilst clearing the land, an ancient stele was unearthed, the inscription on which – so the story goes – prophesied the couple’s happiness and even the building of a castle. Ever since, it has been said that couples who kiss in the ‘Kiss Nook’ will be together forever.