Reinhardstein Castle - a witness to history rising from ruins

This extraordinary castle, perched on a rocky peak in a valley surrounded by forest, owes its return to glory to a teacher from Brussels. Jan Overloop visited the stronghold for the first time in 1965 and, as he said, it was love at first sight. His fascination contributed to the thorough renovation of the ruined fortress in 1969. Overloop lived in the Reinhardstein chambers until his death in 1994. His wife and daughter, who inherited the castle, donated it to a non-profit organization that manages it to this day.   

The history of the construction of Reinhardstein

In 1354, Duke Wenceslaus of Luxembourg allowed Renaud of Waimes to build a fortress on this site. The name Reinhardstein indicates that the castle has been part of German history for centuries. After the end of World War I, under the Treaty of Versailles, it was handed over to Belgium along with the areas around Eupen and Malmedy. After the death of the last member of the Waimes family, the castle successively passed into the possession of the Zivelle, Brandscheid and Naussau families. From 1550, the fortress was owned by the important Rhenish Metternich family. Inhabited for centuries after the French Revolution, the castle was abandoned and fell into ruin. 

Reinhardstein is a wonderful example of restoring a castle to future generations. The reconstruction covered not only the exterior, but also the interior of the building. During the hour-long guided tour, you can admire the Knights' Hall, the guards' room, the chapel, and the living quarters. The halls are full of knights' armor, furniture, tapestries and paintings. The forested surroundings of the castle encourage hiking. Some routes run around Reinhardstein. In the valley over which the fortress dominates, you can admire the highest waterfall in Belgium, sixty meters high. 

Address:
Chemin du Cheneux 50
4950 Ovifat, Belgium

Opening hours: 
Saturday-Sunday:
11.00/12.00/13.00/14.00/15.00/16.00

Fare:
11 euros