Welcome to Historic town centre of Blankenheim
Blankenheim, known as the source of the Ahr, offers an impressive blend of history and nature. Grafenburg Castle, which rises majestically above the rooftops, was built around 1115 as a hilltop castle and over the centuries was converted into a Baroque palace. Today it houses a modern youth hostel, allowing overnight stays in a historic setting. Another highlight is the source of the Ahr, which springs in the cellar of an old half-timbered house. From here, the river winds its way through the picturesque Ahr Valley to the Rhine. The Ahr Cycle Route and the Ahr-Steig hiking trail begin at the source, while the Eifelsteig also passes by. The lanes of the old town invite you to take a stroll, and the Weiherpark adventure playground offers families a welcome break. Other sights include the Hirten and Georgstor, the Eifel Museum, Hülchrath Chapel and the Roman villa “Villa rustica”. During carnival season, the historic ghost train passes through the streets and symbolically drives away the winter demons. Its location in the northern Eifel also makes Blankenheim an ideal starting point for excursions into the surrounding area, such as to Freilinger Lake or the Lampertstal, one of the largest nature reserves in North Rhine-Westphalia.
Source: DZT Knowledge Graph