Castle History

Cochem Castle, towering above the Moselle River, is one of Germany's most picturesque and beloved hilltop fortresses. Originally built around the year 1000, it quickly became a vital stronghold for securing trade routes through the Moselle Valley. The castle was expanded significantly in the 12th century under King Konrad III, who strengthened its defenses and asserted royal control. During the Middle Ages, it served as both a military fortress and an administrative center for the region. In 1689, French troops under Louis XIV destroyed the castle during the Nine Years' War, leaving it in ruins for nearly two centuries. Its striking silhouette vanished from the landscape until the 19th century brought a renewed fascination with medieval architecture. In 1868, the wealthy Berlin businessman Louis Fréderic Jacques Ravené purchased the ruins and rebuilt the castle in neo-Gothic style. This reconstruction blended romantic imagination with historical inspiration, giving the castle its fairy-tale appearance seen today. The Ravené family used it as a summer residence, filling the halls with ornate furnishings and grand décor. After World War II, the German government took ownership of the castle, preserving it as a cultural landmark. Today, visitors can explore richly decorated rooms, towers, and courtyards that evoke the spirit of the 19th-century Romantic era. The castle's hillside vineyards and sweeping river views add to its enchanting atmosphere. Festivals, medieval feasts, and guided tours bring its long history to life throughout the year. Cochem Castle now stands as a stunning symbol of resilience, rebirth, and the timeless allure of Germany's medieval heritage.