Reinhardstein Castle

Reinhardstein was built in 1354 on a rock spur above the Warche valley, held by the Metternich family among others, sold and dismantled after the French Revolution and left as a ruin for a century and a half. In 1965 Jean Overloop, a professor, bought the site and rebuilt the castle from the surviving walls over several years, furnishing it with tapestries, armour, furniture and religious sculpture, and it is now run by a foundation. At about 590 metres it is the highest castle in Belgium. The interiors are shown on guided tours only. The setting is the other half of it: the castle sits on its spur with the Warche below and forested slopes around, reached by a steep walk down from the road and back up.

What you actually see

• The highest castle in Belgium - on a spur at about 590 metres.
• A 1960s rebuild from ruin - the castle reconstructed from surviving walls.
• Tapestries and armour - the collection assembled for the interiors.
• The Warche valley - forested slopes below the rock spur.

When to go

April to October, with tours on limited days, generally Sundays and holidays plus more in high summer. Two to three hours. Check the tour schedule before travelling; there is no access without one.

Honest expectations

Access is by guided tour only, at set times on limited days, and in French. Much of the fabric is a twentieth-century reconstruction. The walk down and back up is steep. Parking is a small area on the road above.

Nearby

Robertville lake is north; the High Fens lie east.