Stolzenburg Castle (Ruin) (Sötenich)

Stolzenburg is the ruin of a hilltop castle in the Urft valley between the villages of Sötenich and Urft in the municipality of Kall in the North Rhine-Westphalian district of Euskirchen. Around 1405, a Johann von Sötenich is reported to have lived here.

The complex has an area of approximately 50 m x 75 m. Wall remains still indicate a curtain wall, gates, and residential buildings, and cellar vaults are also recognizable. At the foot of the castle, the Roman Eifel aqueduct passed by. The Roman Canal hiking trail passes the castle. Ceramic finds only indicate a settlement of the dwelling place in the Middle Ages.

Various legends tell of treasures guarded by a glowing-eyed dog (Honk mot glönige Ooge), of noble freedom-loving knights, and of hard-hearted robber knights who built a leather bridge to Pielstein Castle.

Another story is that of a crusader who went to the Holy Land, but eventually returned to the beautiful castle lady he loved, who was waiting for him at Stolzenburg.

Furthermore, there is a legend of fairies, called Juffern, who are said to cause mischief at the foot of Stolzenburg.

The area around the castle has been a nature reserve since 1954/1964 due to the south-facing steep slopes and the resulting special vegetation.