Anholt moated castle

Wasserburg Anholt in Isselburg is certainly one of the most impressive castle complexes in Westphalia. Directly adjacent to Anholt moated castle is the magnificent castle park, Anholt Switzerland, which is well worth seeing, with a replica of Lake Lucerne and various animal enclosures, as well as a golf course. You should not miss a short trip across the border. It is only a few kilometres to Dinxperlo in the Netherlands.

An impressive history - The Princes of Salm-Salm

As early as the 12th century, there was a fortified castle to protect the bishopric of Utrecht. In 1169, a lord of Sulen "en Anholt" was mentioned for the first time as a feudal lord of the Utrecht bishop Gottfried von Rhenen.
However, the feudal relationship lasted only until the early 13th century, when Anholt Castle became an imperial possession. The castle fell to the lords of Bronkhorst-Batenburg, later to the lords of Salm and Salm-Salm. The noble family even had the right to produce their own money.
The mighty tower from the 12th century is still a characteristic feature of Anholt moated castle today. Built on oak piles, a lattice of wood and with a stone foundation, it was erected in the 14th century and later expanded as a Baroque residence. Anholt Castle has been the residence of the Princes of Salm-Salm since 1647. Today it is still one of the few castles in North Rhine-Westphalia that is privately owned. Today, the moated castle houses a romantic hotel and a museum that is well worth seeing.

Due to its location in the triangle of Münsterland, the Lower Rhine and the Netherlands, cyclists have literally unlimited possibilities here. A cycling tour through the 3 regions is just as worthwhile as a tour on the 100 castles route.