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 led to a 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, left it to a non-profit organization that manages it to this day.   

The history of the construction of Reinhardstein

In 1354 ​Prince Wenceslas 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 transferred to Belgium along with the areas around Eupen and Malmedy. After the death of the last member of the Waimes family, the castle gradually passed into the possession of the Zivelle, Brandscheid and Naussau families. Since 1550 the fortress has been owned by the important Rhenish family Metternich. Inhabited for centuries, the castle was abandoned after the French Revolution and fell into ruin. 

Reinhardstein is a wonderful example of how a castle has been restored for future generations. The reconstruction covered not only the exterior, but also the interior of the building. During a one-hour guided tour, you can admire the Knights' Hall, the guard room, the chapel and the living rooms. The halls are full of knights' armour, furniture, tapestries and paintings. The forested surroundings of the castle are perfect for hiking. Some trails run around Reinhardstein. In the valley over which the fortress dominates, you can admire the highest waterfall in Belgium, at 60 metres high. 

Address:
Chemin du Cheneux 50
4950 Ovifat, Belgia

Opening hours: 
sobota-niedziela:
11.00/12.00/13.00/14.00/15.00/16.00

Ticket price:
11 Euro