Freusburg

Freusburg stands on a hill above the river Sieg in the Westerwald region of Rheinland-Pfalz. Built in the 12th century, it overlooks the valley from its rocky spur. The castle was once the seat of the Counts of Sayn and later passed to the Counts of Nassau. Its thick walls and round towers still show the strength it needed to guard the old trade routes. The castle is worth the journey for its well-preserved medieval architecture. The inner courtyard is surrounded by half-timbered buildings that date from the 17th century. Inside, visitors find rooms with original wooden ceilings and stone fireplaces. The castle chapel, built in the 13th century, still holds services today. A visitor walks along the outer walls for wide views over the hills. The inner yard has a small museum with weapons and armour from the region’s past. Below the hill, the village of Kirchen keeps its own old half-timbered houses. The castle grounds also offer a café where guests can rest with a view of the Sieg valley.