Kasteel Valkenburg (Castle)

The origins of the complex date back to around 1115, when Goswin I of Heinsberg, Lord of Valkenburg, erected the first fortification. However, this was destroyed as early as 1122 after a siege by the Count of Leuven. In the 13th century, a reconstruction took place, but this castle also fell victim to an assault by John III, Duke of Brabant, in 1329. From 1370, the castle passed into the possession of the Dukes of Brabant. Kasteel Valkenburg was besieged again in 1465, 1568, and 1632, before finally being blown up in 1672 to prevent its use by French troops. In 1944, the ruin's rock passages served as a hideout for German soldiers during combat operations against the Allies.

The Kasteel Valkenburg ruin is located in Valkenburg aan de Geul, in the Limburg district, in the Zuid-Nederland region of the Netherlands. It stands at an elevation of approximately 84 meters above sea level.

Visitors can today explore the remains of the ruin. Parts of two round corner towers, a residential wing on the side of a deeper inner courtyard, and a watchtower are still preserved. The passages carved into the rock, which once served as escape routes, are also accessible and offer an exciting insight into past defensive strategies.

• Kasteel den Halder (Castle), approx. 0.3 km away
• Kasteel Schaloen (Castle), approx. 1.5 km away
• Kasteel Retersbeek (Castle), approx. 4.7 km away
• Kasteel Blankenberg (Castle), approx. 5.6 km away