Dusseldorf

Castles and Palaces

Explore the historical fortifications and noble residences of northern Düsseldorf. This collection features the 12th-century basalt ruins of Frederick Barbarossa’s imperial palace in Kaiserswerth and the well-preserved Baroque moated castle of Schloss Kalkum. From the private medieval defenses of Burg Angermund to the fresco-filled halls of Schloss Heltorf, these sites illustrate the region's transition from strategic Rhine strongholds to elegant manor houses set within expansive English-style landscape parks.

Schloss Kalkum

A Baroque moated castle surrounded by a landscape park designed by Maximilian Friedrich Weyhe. While the current four-wing structure dates to the 19th century, the site has been a noble residence since the 9th century.

Kaiserswerth Imperial Palace Ruins

Today it's just a bunch of ruins, but formerly this place was an imperial palace.

Schloss Heltorf

A moated manor house known for its extensive forest park and a significant collection of frescoes by the Düsseldorf school of painters. It has been the seat of the Spee family since 1662.

Kaiserpfalz

The 12th-century ruins of Frederick Barbarossa’s stronghold. Featuring massive basalt walls, this site served as a strategic imperial palace and Rhine toll station until its destruction during the War of the Spanish Succession.

Schloss Kalkum

This moated castle complex features a prominent four-wing design and historically functioned as a state archive. Its grounds include a sprawling English-style park and the memorial of political philosopher Ferdinand Lassalle.

Burg Angermund

A medieval water castle that once served as the northernmost defensive post for the Counts of Berg. Historically referred to as the Kellnerei, the site is located along the Angerbach and is now a private residence.