Ginsburg

History of
Castle The castle was acquired by the Counts of Nassau between 1220 and 1240 and used as a strategically important customs and transportation hub. Until 1360, Ginsburg changed hands several times through inheritances, pledges, and divisions of estates. It gained particular significance in 1568 when William the Silent, Prince of Orange and Count of Nassau, assembled an army on the Ginsberger Heid and marched with his troops via Freudenberg to liberate the Netherlands. The Ginsberg Heid was located in the immediate vicinity of the Landhecke, a defensive line erected to protect against the Duchy of Westfalen (Archdiocese of Cologne). Goods were transported through the “Schläge,” which were extensively fortified to enable the collection of the prescribed customs duties.

In the 17th century, the castle fell into ruin; its remaining walls were uncovered and restored in the 1960s. In 1975, a half-timbered building was erected in the immediate vicinity of the round keep, which was built on the rectangular foundation walls of an older tower. Using original building materials, an older blacksmith’s workshop was constructed on the castle grounds. This building originally came from the former district of Buschgotthardshütten on the Ferndorfbach (today Siegen, Weidenau district).

Current Use
Today, Ginsburg Castle is a popular destination for day trips and a scenic overlook. The rooms of the tower, which was rebuilt in the 1960s, are used as a banquet hall and wedding venue. An exhibition inside the castle serves as a reminder of the historical significance of this German-Dutch memorial site. In the old castle kitchen, in addition to the rustic dining room, there is also a room on the upper floor that is used for educational events. 

Wedding Ceremonies

Since May 2025, wedding ceremonies have been held in the tower room of Ginsburg Castle between May and September.

For more information, see the Hilchenbach Registry Officeand the Ginsburg website.

Guided Tours
Association for the Preservation of Ginsburg, Guest and Cultural Landscape Guide Michael Thon

Phone: 02733 811 72 50 or info@gruenthon.de,Grünthon.de

Dining:

The Ginsburg Café invites you to enjoy a cozy break with delicious treats! Check the opening hours on the websites ofthe Association for the Preservation of Ginsburg e.V.and theGinsburg Café. You’ll also find event dates there...

Special Features

Every year at Pentecost, the international music and theater festival “Kultur Pur” takes place on the Ginsberger Heid. During the festival, the keep is the setting for a play featuring the “Schlossberg Raubritter” (the Robber Knights of Schlossberg).