Are Castle is a medieval ruin complex on a hill above Altenahr. Its surviving architectural features, a restored well open to visitors, and the view from the plateau give the site a clear cultural and historical focus.
Are Castle: Architectural Features, Plateau and Guided Tours
The remains of the complex include the outer bailey, a defensive wall, a gate tower, the palas, a gatehouse and the castle chapel. The variety of architectural features brings different aspects of a castle to life: the wall and gate tower served defensive purposes, the gatehouse provided access, while the palas and chapel served other functions within the complex. The restored well is open to visitors and adds to the view of the surviving architecture.
Visitors can climb to the highest point of the plateau. From there, the view extends across Altenahr, the Ahr and the vineyards. Those interested in the history as well as the architectural remains can plan a historical guided tour. These tours take place regularly; check whether a tour is available before your trip.
Wine Sales in Altenahr
Another local address is the Altenahr Vinothek run by the MayschoĂź-Altenahr cooperative. Wine is sold there in Altenahr. As opening information can change, it is advisable to check before visiting. The vinothek offers a different focus from Are Castle: here, it is about wine sales, while the castle offers medieval ruins, views and historical guided tours.
These interests can easily be distinguished when choosing a destination: Are Castle combines architecture, scenic views and history; the vinothek is the specific place for wine sales. Depending on their personal interests, visitors can therefore consider Altenahr for culture and scenery or for a visit focused on wine.
More topics in the wider Ahrweiler destination
The wider Ahrweiler destination also has its own cultural attractions. The SchĂĽtzen House in Ahrweiler displays art-historical treasures from the past three centuries. These include uniforms, pictorial documentation and historic SchĂĽtzen rifles. The collection offers a distinct perspective on the history of the SchĂĽtzen in Ahrweiler.
Another visitor attraction is the Roman Villa at Silberberg in Ahrweiler. Visitors can view a model of the Roman estate and an audiovisual presentation there. These offerings focus on a different period from the medieval remains of Are Castle.
For hiking enthusiasts, Ahrweiler district has several named trails: the certified Rheinburgenweg, Eifelleiter and AhrSteig trails are located in the district. The Rotweinwanderweg and numerous signposted local trails add to the hiking network there. The district of Ahrweiler particularly appeals to cycling tourists with the Rhine Cycle Route and the Ahr Cycle Route.
For historical questions about the region, the Ahrweiler District Archive is a local history information and advisory center. Together with the cultural attractions and trails, this regional setting shows the range of interests that can be pursued in the Ahrweiler destination alongside the offerings in Altenahr.
Discover more destinations: Ahrbrück, Mayschoß, Dernau, Rech, Kesseling, Lind, Hönningen, Heckenbach, Liers, Kirchsahr, Binzenbach, Berg.
Back to the wider travel overview: Ahrweiler.
