High above the rooftops of one of the greenest cities in Germany, Siegen Upper Castle is enthroned on the 307-metre-high Siegberg. It is a place where history, art and nature come together to form a whole. The former hilltop castle, whose origins probably date back to the first half of the 13th century, still dominates the city's skyline today and is home to the renowned Siegerland Museum.
Originally, the Upper Castle was jointly owned by the Archbishops of Cologne and the Counts of Nassau. Today, the complex consists of the stone bishop's house and the later half-timbered count's house from the early 18th century. An extension, which probably once housed the castle chapel, connects the two parts of the building and gives the ensemble its unmistakable character.
In 1888, the city of Siegen acquired the castle from the Kingdom of Prussia and opened the Siegerland Museum in it in 1905. Visitors can now explore top-class art in five departments across 1,500 square meters of exhibition space. With its focus on regional art history, the museum is one of the cultural highlights of the region. In addition to the extensive collection of portraits of the Nassau princes, many people are particularly impressed by the ornate Rubens Hall, in which nine original paintings by the Flemish Baroque master Peter Paul Rubens are on permanent display. Among the works is the first version of his famous "Descent from the Cross". This collection is complemented by works by Rubens' contemporaries, including Jacob Jordaens and Abraham van Diepenbeeck.
Idyllic city panorama
Those looking for fresh air and sweeping views after a visit to the museum should take a stroll through the extensive palace park. Between magnificent flowerbeds and old trees, the view of the green university city opens up from a hill. Almost 86 percent of the city is covered in greenery. From up here, visitors can see the Nikolai Church with its golden crown, the course of the River Sieg and a sea of treetops between the houses. A panorama that makes you want to explore the surrounding area further.
Hiking enthusiasts can take a day trip to discover the historic Siegen-Achenbach circular trail, which not only offers magnificent views but also brings regional history to life. Families, on the other hand, will find a place where nature and relaxation go hand in hand in the adventure forest and fallow deer enclosure of the historic zoo. Art fans, on the other hand, can round off their stay in Siegen with a visit to the Museum of Contemporary Art.
By the way: Visiting just this one castle would be far too much of a shame. NRW is the state with the most castles and palaces in Germany. To make it easier for you to choose, we have found a perfect counterpart for Siegen Upper Castle: Berleburg Residential Palace. Find out more about the duo here.
