Burg Thurant

About the museum

Burg Thurant was probably built between 1198 and 1206 by Count Palatine Heinrich I, known as "the Tall," on a slate outcrop above the Moselle village of Alken. It is said to have been named after the crusader castle of Toron in present-day Lebanon. It soon became contested: Archbishop Engelbert I of Cologne occupied it for several years from 1216 before it reverted to the Counts Palatine.

The raids of the Palatine castellan Berlewin triggered the so-called Great Feud. After a siege of about two years, the archbishoprics of Cologne and Trier captured the castle in 1248 and divided it between themselves by treaty. Ever since, Thurant has consisted of two halves, each with its own entrance, its own keep and its own burgraves – the Cologne part and the Trier part.

From the 16th century onward the double castle fell increasingly into disrepair, and destruction during the Nine Years' War (War of the Palatine Succession) finally left it in ruins. In 1911 Privy Councillor Robert Allmers bought the complex and had it partially rebuilt over the following years; the manor house, destroyed in World War II, was restored in the early 1960s.

Since 1973 the castle has been jointly owned by the Allmers and Wulf families, and as a cultural property it is protected under the Hague Convention. During the season, visitors can climb the Cologne Tower and tour the castle chapel, dungeon, hunting lodge and wine cellar.

Highlights

• The "Kölner Turm" (Cologne Tower) lookout with views over the Moselle valley
• Castle chapel with a Baroque altar
• Dungeon with medieval torture instruments
• Hunting lodge with hunting trophies, armor and old weapons
• Wine cellar devoted to traditional winemaking
• Rock garden and castle gardens within the curtain wall

Operated by

Familien Allmers und Wulf (privat)

Admission & discounts

Card payment is not possible at the castle (cash only).

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: not available
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

As a medieval fortified residence, the castle is not accessible according to the operator.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.

Getting there & parking

The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Restaurant: not available

Kiosk with drinks, Moselle wine and snacks; seating in the castle gardens.

Events & venue rental

The "Sporkhorst" vacation home (up to 6 people) within the castle grounds can be rented; inquiries via the castle administration.

Plan your visit