This is a magnificent castle with a history unlike any other. Situated in Waimes, at the heart of the High Fens, it overlooks the Warche Valley from the top of its rocky outcrop with a cascading waterfall, and takes you on a trip back in time…
Accessing Reinhardstein Castle takes a little effort: you can only get there on foot (cars must stay in the car parks 550 metres away). You’ll be plunged straight into the atmosphere! Built in 1354, the castle passed through the hands of several powerful families before being left to ruin in the middle of the 19th century. It was only in 1965 that a happy accident brought it back to life after 150 years of deterioration over time: a Brussels teacher and history buff named Jean Overloop discovered the ruined castle on a walk. It was love at first sight! For 18 months, with the help of other enthusiasts and using the know-how of local tradespeople, he set to work renovating the location and rebuilding it with the original materials. This restored the cachet of this incredible location!
Plenty of activities to thrill you
Completely refurnished after its reconstruction, the castle has come back to life and regained its full splendour today! You’re sure to be moved by this fantastic vestige of the past that takes you back on an impressive journey through time on the guided tours on offer: here, you visit the main building, imagine yourself as a knight in the dungeon, walk among armour, paintings, chests and tapestries… And that’s not all because many activities are organised to enhance the visitor’s experience: an annual mediaeval banquet, themed weekends, music concerts, tastings, night walks, historical or contemporary exhibitions (with outstanding collections or well-known artists)… in a nutshell, there’s something for young people and old!
Copyright pictures: Visit Wallonia / Visit Ardenne
Explore the surroundings
