Anholt moated castle

Anholt moated castle in Isselburg is one of the most impressive castle complexes in Westphalia and has been the family property of the princely house of zu Salm and zu Salm-Salm and privately inhabited since 1641. The moated castle is surrounded by 35 hectares of magnificent castle park. Directly adjacent to the historic landscape park is a golf course and the Anholter Schweiz, which is well worth a visit. Don't miss a short trip across the border into the beautiful Achterhoek.

The Anholt estate - an impressive history

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. This feudal relationship came to an end in the 13th century, when the lordship of Anholt became independent of the empire and the property passed to the counts of Bronckhorst-Batenburg. When Countess Maria Anna von Bronckhorst-Batenburg married Prince Leopold Philipp Carl zu Salm in 1641, the Anholt estate passed to the House of Salm, which still owns it today.

The characteristic landmark of the moated castle is still the keep, the "Dicke Turm", dating from the 12th century. From the 14th to the 16th century, the former core castle was considerably extended and expanded and already acquired its present dimensions during this time. Under Prince Carl Theodor Otto zu Salm (1645-1710), the castle was converted and extended into a representative Baroque residence.

To this day, Anholt moated castle is one of the few buildings in North Rhine-Westphalia that is still privately owned, but can be visited on a guided tour. Visitors gain insights into the representative salons, private rooms and the 1000-year history of the house. The art to be discovered still bears witness to the family's passion for collecting - be it porcelain, baroque furniture, glass, coins, weapons or the historic book collection. The internationally renowned Old Master collection is particularly worth seeing. The outer castle houses the Parkhotel with gastronomic offerings, including a spacious outdoor terrace with a view of the magnificent park.

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