Schmidtheim Castle is a picturesque place in the Eifel where guests can learn to better understand nature and themselves: Here, the Beissel von Gymnich family, who have lived in the castle grounds for over 500 years, offers nature-related seminars and courses with experts from a wide range of disciplines. For example, young researchers can explore the flora and fauna together with the count. On a hike, they learn which trees and shrubs grow in the castle forest and how to create habitats for animals and insects by building brushwood piles. The owners manage the green space around Schmidtheim Castle in a sustainable and climate-friendly way, which is a clear commitment to environmental protection.
Love and cohesion
However, the estate on the southern edge of North Rhine-Westphalia is much more than a place of closeness to nature. In the estate's Blue Salon, the present and history merge in a special way. Where noblemen once decided on their rule and inheritance, people now say "I do". The wedding venue in the heart of the castle allows couples to experience their big moment in a setting that looks back on centuries of aristocratic history.
The castle's roots go back to the late 12th century, when the noble family of Smydeheim was first mentioned in a document. The family built their castle within sight of the parish church as a symbol of influence and power. The foundation walls on which today's castle rests largely date back to this time. However, history took a special turn when the Smydeheim family died out around 1500. In 1511, Daem Beissel von Gymnich married Eva von Schmidtheim, the heiress of the castle, and was enfeoffed with the Schmidtheim estate.
In the end, it was love - or perhaps clever cohesion - that ensured the continued existence of Schmidtheim Castle. A story that continues today in the wedding ceremonies in the Blue Salon. Of course, other celebrations can also be held in these rooms.
Incidentally, devotion is also omnipresent on a smaller scale at Schloss Schmidtheim in the form of marriage emblems. If you look closely, you will discover silent evidence of this unifying tradition on the south-east wing and above the archway to the farm buildings.
Further travel tips
Other worthwhile excursion destinations around Schmidtheim Castle are only a few minutes' drive away. For example, the visitor mine Grube Wohlfahrt in Hellenthal takes you underground. On exciting guided tours through the historic lead ore mine, guests can slip into the role of former miners and discover the impressive tunnel system.
In Blankenheim, on the other hand, you will find the Ahr spring, which rises in a vaulted cellar in the middle of the half-timbered village. It forms the source of the approximately 85.1-kilometre-long river, which runs all the way to the Rhine. Blankenheim Castle, a medieval complex dating back to the 12th century, towers high above the town. A visit is particularly worthwhile for those who want to enjoy a great view of the surrounding countryside.
