Burg Reichenstein
Mr. Lambert Lensing-Wolff returned the castle into the family and carries on his forefathers' mission.
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Burg Reichenstein's owner Mr. Lambert Lensing-Wolff (right) and Till Gerwinat (left) who leads the castle's hospitality team
I virtually sat down with Mr. Lambert Lensing-Wolff, who in 2014 purchased Burg Reichenstein, the last of the ruined castles in the Upper Middle Rhine Valley to be rebuilt in the style of Rhine Romanticism in the late 19th century. The most amazing thing about the purchase is that the castle had previously been owned by his ancestors. After around three decades, the castle returned to the family. Mr. Lensing-Wolff, who still holds dear his childhood memories of Reichenstein and spending time with his relatives, carries on what his forefathers began almost a century ago. He has transformed the property from a purely private domain into a place where the public can enjoy a weekend retreat, host a wedding, or have dinner with a glass of local Riesling.
BACK AND FORTH
Castles and Palaces (CnP): Dear Mr. Lambert Lensing-Wolff, your family used to own the castle but then had to sell it in the 1980s. And now you run it again, what's the story?
Lambert Lensing-Wolff (LLW): This is correct. In 1986, the castle was sold by my uncle, Hermann Freiherr von Schorlemer, the eldest brother of my mother. Twenty-eight years later–in 2014–our family was able to repurchase the castle. Since then, together with a wonderful team led by the Gerwinat family, we have been breathing new life into the ancient walls of our ancestors.
Lambert Lensing-Wolff (LLW): This is correct. In 1986, the castle was sold by my uncle, Hermann Freiherr von Schorlemer, the eldest brother of my mother. Twenty-eight years later–in 2014–our family was able to repurchase the castle. Since then, together with a wonderful team led by the Gerwinat family, we have been breathing new life into the ancient walls of our ancestors.
LLW: Burg Reichenstein was remodeled in the neo-Gothic style at the end of the 19th century by my great-grandfather Baron Nikolaus Kirsch-Puricelli and my great-grandmother Olga Kirsch-Puricelli, an industrialist family from the Hunsrück region and owners of the Rheinböllerhütte.
LLW: The Kirsch-Puricelli family lived in the castle until 1936. After World War II, my great-uncle, Baron Dr. Paul Kirsch-Puricelli, opened the museum inside the castle and retained only a small part of the fortress as a private residence and family archive.
CnP: Please share your childhood memories of growing up in the castle–what’s your most emotional moment from that time?
LLW: I still remember very clearly my first visits to Reichenstein, especially the fantastic bowling alley where even my great-grandparents used to play with their guests. And the many corridors and remote corners, the old organ in the chapel, and of course the secret passage and the dungeon. We restored the bowling alley and the organ in 2016, returning them to their original condition.
LLW: I still remember very clearly my first visits to Reichenstein, especially the fantastic bowling alley where even my great-grandparents used to play with their guests. And the many corridors and remote corners, the old organ in the chapel, and of course the secret passage and the dungeon. We restored the bowling alley and the organ in 2016, returning them to their original condition.
CnP: What was the condition of the castle when you bought it back into the family?
LLW: Unfortunately, the castle was not in a good condition. The last major renovations had taken place several decades earlier. However, the solid foundation laid during my great-grandparents' time was still intact, providing a good basis for our restoration work. Since 2014, we have been living on a large construction site. Our mantra: Rome wasn’t built in a day. What are 20 years of rebuilding and renovation compared to a 1,000-year history?
LLW: Unfortunately, the castle was not in a good condition. The last major renovations had taken place several decades earlier. However, the solid foundation laid during my great-grandparents' time was still intact, providing a good basis for our restoration work. Since 2014, we have been living on a large construction site. Our mantra: Rome wasn’t built in a day. What are 20 years of rebuilding and renovation compared to a 1,000-year history?
CnP: You said that you literally live on a construction site. Do you reside in the castle or come and go to check the progress of the works?
LLW: I live in the castle. Part of the complex is still privately inhabited by our family today. What used to be the bedroom of my great-grandparents is now our kitchen, and on the same floor, the old kitchen near the inner courtyard has been transformed into a beautiful guest room. Our bedrooms are located where the housemaids' rooms once were. Up there under the roof of the castle, it feels as cozy as an old attic apartment from a turn-of-the-century building.
LLW: I live in the castle. Part of the complex is still privately inhabited by our family today. What used to be the bedroom of my great-grandparents is now our kitchen, and on the same floor, the old kitchen near the inner courtyard has been transformed into a beautiful guest room. Our bedrooms are located where the housemaids' rooms once were. Up there under the roof of the castle, it feels as cozy as an old attic apartment from a turn-of-the-century building.
CnP: What is your favorite part of the castle and why?
LLW: That’s hard to say–there are simply too many wonderful and unique places, each different depending on the time of day. My office in the small library behind the great library is a very special spot because it’s the only room in the house with windows and views in all four cardinal directions. Outside the castle, the vineyard is an extraordinarily special place that I love in every season. In everything we do, our highest priority is to ensure that the castle is preserved and made fit for many future generations.
LLW: That’s hard to say–there are simply too many wonderful and unique places, each different depending on the time of day. My office in the small library behind the great library is a very special spot because it’s the only room in the house with windows and views in all four cardinal directions. Outside the castle, the vineyard is an extraordinarily special place that I love in every season. In everything we do, our highest priority is to ensure that the castle is preserved and made fit for many future generations.
CnP: What is the most unusual thing about your castle?
LLW: Burg Reichenstein is not only home to a hotel and a restaurant, but also to an extensive museum with a large collection of historical weapons, armor, and cast-iron stove plates. These collections offer a unique insight into the history of the region. Guests are guided through the museum by an audio guide and can immerse themselves in the family's history—something truly unique along the Middle Rhine.
LLW: Burg Reichenstein is not only home to a hotel and a restaurant, but also to an extensive museum with a large collection of historical weapons, armor, and cast-iron stove plates. These collections offer a unique insight into the history of the region. Guests are guided through the museum by an audio guide and can immerse themselves in the family's history—something truly unique along the Middle Rhine.
LLW: Every single floor of the castle is open for visitors to explore.
Additionally, our garden areas can be individually adapted for events with up to 1,000 guests. Uniquely, Burg Reichenstein can be accessed directly by car.
During the lifetime of my ancestors, Reichenstein was the first "residential house" in the village to be equipped with electricity.
Additionally, our garden areas can be individually adapted for events with up to 1,000 guests. Uniquely, Burg Reichenstein can be accessed directly by car.
During the lifetime of my ancestors, Reichenstein was the first "residential house" in the village to be equipped with electricity.
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CnP: Where do all the ghosts of Reichenstein wander and how often do you normally meet them?
LLW: So far, none of our guests have been disturbed by the resident ghosts of the castle. All of them seem to be in good spirits. Our children say that there are regular ghostly happenings, but always in a courteous and friendly manner. They claim to have encountered three house ghosts repeatedly. And I believe them!
LLW: So far, none of our guests have been disturbed by the resident ghosts of the castle. All of them seem to be in good spirits. Our children say that there are regular ghostly happenings, but always in a courteous and friendly manner. They claim to have encountered three house ghosts repeatedly. And I believe them!
CnP: You opened a hotel in 2015–before that, I assume you had to carry out a bit of restoration and reconstruction works–what surprises did the castle reveal to you?
LLW: When we removed old wallpaper, we discovered newspapers from the year 1905 that had been used as a base layer for the original wallpapers. In that room, it felt as though time had stood still—as if my great-grandmother had just left her painting studio the day before.
LLW: When we removed old wallpaper, we discovered newspapers from the year 1905 that had been used as a base layer for the original wallpapers. In that room, it felt as though time had stood still—as if my great-grandmother had just left her painting studio the day before.
CnP: How difficult was it to convert part of the castle into a hotel? The property is listed and protected by the state and transforming an old castle into a hotel usually requires a lot of interventions. Could you please guide me through the process?
LLW: The conversion of a historic castle into a hotel requires strict compliance with heritage protection regulations and the integration of modern infrastructure without compromising the historic structure. This presents a particular challenge that demands careful planning and close cooperation with the heritage conservation authorities.
LLW: The conversion of a historic castle into a hotel requires strict compliance with heritage protection regulations and the integration of modern infrastructure without compromising the historic structure. This presents a particular challenge that demands careful planning and close cooperation with the heritage conservation authorities.
LLW: We work very closely and trustfully with absolute specialists in their fields.
However, we always find compromises because we ourselves have a great interest in preserving everything that reminds us of our great-grandparents while only introducing modern comforts discreetly.
However, we always find compromises because we ourselves have a great interest in preserving everything that reminds us of our great-grandparents while only introducing modern comforts discreetly.
CnP: And here come the difficulties! What is everyday life like at the castle?
LLW: A historic castle is, of course, not a modern property with perfect infrastructure—and that’s exactly where much of its charm lies. Everyday life at the castle means long distances on foot and constant stair climbing. There is always something to repair or maintain every single day. Naturally, this affects construction times, which often take longer than in conventional buildings.
LLW: A historic castle is, of course, not a modern property with perfect infrastructure—and that’s exactly where much of its charm lies. Everyday life at the castle means long distances on foot and constant stair climbing. There is always something to repair or maintain every single day. Naturally, this affects construction times, which often take longer than in conventional buildings.
LLW: To make our daily operations more efficient while meeting our high standards of hospitality, we have set up various small service stations that assist us in day-to-day work. Because our core mission remains: welcoming our guests, inspiring them, and offering genuine hospitality. And sometimes, a touch of modernity is allowed—such as with our two golf carts, which help us move a little faster and more comfortably across the extensive grounds of the castle.
CnP: Going green is what people are doing everywhere now—I spoke to a castle owner from Spain and was told they were using geothermal heating and solar panels to meet green standards. Do you have anything like that at Reichenstein?
LLW: In Germany, implementing renewable energy systems in listed historic buildings is unfortunately not always easy. Nevertheless, there are increasingly more pilot projects that are working precisely at this intersection—and we are very happy that we will be participating in such a project in the future.
LLW: In Germany, implementing renewable energy systems in listed historic buildings is unfortunately not always easy. Nevertheless, there are increasingly more pilot projects that are working precisely at this intersection—and we are very happy that we will be participating in such a project in the future.
LLW: Our upcoming measures are focused on utilizing all possibilities that can be implemented in accordance with heritage protection guidelines. Even back in 1904, my great-grandparents converted an old mill in the Morgenbach Valley into a hydroelectric power plant, which supplied the entire castle with green electricity. They were pioneers of “going green” long before it became a global movement.
CnP: Did you find anything from the Middle Ages in 2014? I know the castle was the last of the ruined castles in the Upper Middle Rhine Valley to be rebuilt in the style of Rhine Romanticism at the end of the 19th century—but still? Do you know what the castle looked like in the Middle Ages?
LLW: We have a fairly good idea of what Burg Reichenstein looked like during the Middle Ages. There is even a beautiful engraving showing its appearance from the 16th century. As a typical Rhenish hillside castle, it sits halfway up the steep slope above the Rhine, protected by its location on a rocky spur between the Rhine Valley and the Morgenbach Valley. There was no keep—that is, no main tower for refuge or defense. Instead, the castle was primarily secured by an imposing shield wall on the mountainside.
LLW: We have a fairly good idea of what Burg Reichenstein looked like during the Middle Ages. There is even a beautiful engraving showing its appearance from the 16th century. As a typical Rhenish hillside castle, it sits halfway up the steep slope above the Rhine, protected by its location on a rocky spur between the Rhine Valley and the Morgenbach Valley. There was no keep—that is, no main tower for refuge or defense. Instead, the castle was primarily secured by an imposing shield wall on the mountainside.
LLW: This wall dates back to around 1282, stands 16 meters high, and is up to eight meters thick at its base. Originally, it could only be accessed via a high entrance—a typical defensive feature of that time. The rest of the structure was also clearly designed for defense: the inner ring wall enclosed the central residential and economic buildings, while a second outer ring wall with three corner towers—two of which still date from the 14th century—provided additional protection. Where today the castle garden lies, there used to be the outer Bailey. Furthermore, repeated discoveries of Roman coins show that life on this site existed even before medieval times.
CnP: You mentioned that your great-uncle, Baron Dr. Paul Kirsch-Puricelli, opened the museum inside the castle and you carry on. What’s the most exciting exhibit?
LLW: The museum at Burg Reichenstein displays a wide variety of exhibits, including historical weapons, armor, and an extensive collection of cast-iron stove plates. A special highlight is the audio guide, which brings the history of the castle vividly to life. We also house one of the largest hunting trophy collections in Germany. Among the particularly special pieces are the old hunting bag and the rifle of the famous "Hunter of Churpfalz," my great-great-great-grandfather. And, of course, we also have the (alleged) skull of Dietrich von Hohenfels in our large library.
LLW: The museum at Burg Reichenstein displays a wide variety of exhibits, including historical weapons, armor, and an extensive collection of cast-iron stove plates. A special highlight is the audio guide, which brings the history of the castle vividly to life. We also house one of the largest hunting trophy collections in Germany. Among the particularly special pieces are the old hunting bag and the rifle of the famous "Hunter of Churpfalz," my great-great-great-grandfather. And, of course, we also have the (alleged) skull of Dietrich von Hohenfels in our large library.
CnP: What about old mechanisms that still work?
LLW: Almost all the old and very special locking mechanisms on doors, gates, grilles, or chests are still fully functional. Also, the enormous organ belonging to my great-grandmother, with 3,000 pipes, is still in its original working order, just like the huge dollhouse of my grandmother, which contains over 600 historic furnishings.
LLW: Almost all the old and very special locking mechanisms on doors, gates, grilles, or chests are still fully functional. Also, the enormous organ belonging to my great-grandmother, with 3,000 pipes, is still in its original working order, just like the huge dollhouse of my grandmother, which contains over 600 historic furnishings.
THE MAN WHO LOST HIS HEAD
CnP: Reichenstein was destroyed by King Rudolph in the 13th century because the castle was a nest of robber barons. The castle was forbidden to be rebuilt—so how come we still have a castle?
LLW: After the destruction by King Rudolf of Habsburg in 1282 and the subsequent ban on rebuilding, the castle was nevertheless rebuilt very quickly and put back into use almost immediately. It was only in the late Middle Ages that large parts of the structure fell into disrepair, and it wasn’t until the 19th century, during the era of Rhine Romanticism, that the castle was rebuilt—most recently starting in 1898 by my great-grandparents Olga and Nikolaus.
LLW: After the destruction by King Rudolf of Habsburg in 1282 and the subsequent ban on rebuilding, the castle was nevertheless rebuilt very quickly and put back into use almost immediately. It was only in the late Middle Ages that large parts of the structure fell into disrepair, and it wasn’t until the 19th century, during the era of Rhine Romanticism, that the castle was rebuilt—most recently starting in 1898 by my great-grandparents Olga and Nikolaus.
CnP: You mentioned Dietrich von Hohenfels, who was a robber baron. What did these men actually do, and what happened to them and their supporters after the castle was seized and destroyed by the king? I've heard there's a legend about the man.
LLW: According to the legend, Dietrich was captured and brought before the king. He begged that at least the lives of his nine sons be spared, arguing that they were innocent—he alone had commanded them to raid and plunder.
The king, however, wanted to set an example and refused the plea. But he allowed a divine judgment: if Dietrich—after his beheading—could still walk along the line of his sons, then those he passed by would be spared. At the place of execution, where the Clemenskapelle stands today, the nine sons were lined up.
LLW: According to the legend, Dietrich was captured and brought before the king. He begged that at least the lives of his nine sons be spared, arguing that they were innocent—he alone had commanded them to raid and plunder.
The king, however, wanted to set an example and refused the plea. But he allowed a divine judgment: if Dietrich—after his beheading—could still walk along the line of his sons, then those he passed by would be spared. At the place of execution, where the Clemenskapelle stands today, the nine sons were lined up.
LLW: The executioner swung his sword onto Dietrich’s neck—his head fell. But instead of collapsing, the headless body staggered toward his sons. Step by step, the bloody corpse moved past them: the first, second, third... until he had passed all nine sons. Only then did the body collapse—a great fountain of blood shooting from his neck stump. King Rudolf, pale with horror, kept his promise and spared all nine sons. He left the place of execution as quickly as he could, deeply shaken by the eerie occurrence. This legend intertwines terror, miracle, and morality—warning against violence, celebrating fatherly sacrifice, and invoking the motif of a supernatural judgment.
CnP: So, this is your favourite legend, isn't it?
LLW: Yes, the story of the Headless Man is my absolute favorite. By the way, this chilling tale is also very popular with our visitors.
LLW: Yes, the story of the Headless Man is my absolute favorite. By the way, this chilling tale is also very popular with our visitors.
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CnP: Aha! There's one more thing: Victor Hugo visited the site before the ruins were rebuilt into this Romantic castle. He mentioned in his diary that he found a tombstone with the stone effigy of a headless knight. So, this is where Dietrich von Hohenfels was laid to rest, right?
LLW: Well, Victor Hugo indeed visited Burg Reichenstein in the 19th century, when it was still in ruins. In his diary, he wrote about a moving discovery: a half-buried tombstone from the 14th century. He cleared it and uncovered the stone effigy of an armored knight – but without a head. Below the figure was a Latin inscription, which roughly translated said that the voice, light, and memory of this man had been extinguished. Neither the name nor the history of the knight had survived.
LLW: Well, Victor Hugo indeed visited Burg Reichenstein in the 19th century, when it was still in ruins. In his diary, he wrote about a moving discovery: a half-buried tombstone from the 14th century. He cleared it and uncovered the stone effigy of an armored knight – but without a head. Below the figure was a Latin inscription, which roughly translated said that the voice, light, and memory of this man had been extinguished. Neither the name nor the history of the knight had survived.
LLW: This passage from the 1842 Le Rhin is a perfect example of romantic historical reflection (transience, mystery, melancholy), cultural criticism (against forgetting and misuse), and myth-making (through Hugo, the nameless knight himself almost becomes a legend). And It is not unlikely that this was the grave of Dietrich von Hohenfels. Incidentally, Victor Hugo stayed at our small village inn, the "White Horse," during his visit—a place where you can still enjoy a lovely stay today.
CnP: There’s a castle 3 km from Reichenstein called Rheinstein. From what I’ve learned, it was built to make sure that Reichenstein would never be rebuilt. It is ironic. When I talked to Markus Hecher of Rheinstein, he told me that his parents were tenants of a restaurant and hotel in your castle before they bought Rheinstein. Do you keep in touch?
LLW: Yes, that’s absolutely true, and it’s a truly wonderful piece of shared history. Markus Hecher practically grew up at Reichenstein and knows it inside out. We meet the Hecher family regularly and often hike over to Rheinstein ourselves. We frequently recommend our guests to visit Rheinstein—it’s definitely worth it. The Hecher family gave us a very warm welcome when we arrived in the Middle Rhine Valley and have been very supportive of our projects. Their children even attend the same kindergarten as the child of our management couple.
LLW: Yes, that’s absolutely true, and it’s a truly wonderful piece of shared history. Markus Hecher practically grew up at Reichenstein and knows it inside out. We meet the Hecher family regularly and often hike over to Rheinstein ourselves. We frequently recommend our guests to visit Rheinstein—it’s definitely worth it. The Hecher family gave us a very warm welcome when we arrived in the Middle Rhine Valley and have been very supportive of our projects. Their children even attend the same kindergarten as the child of our management couple.
CnP: Could you please share a little-known fact from the history of the castle?
LLW: There’s an interesting legend from the more recent history of the castle:
During World War II, it’s said that in one night, both German and American commando units were on the castle grounds at the same time—without ever encountering each other. It’s said they were searching for one another but missed each other completely.
LLW: There’s an interesting legend from the more recent history of the castle:
During World War II, it’s said that in one night, both German and American commando units were on the castle grounds at the same time—without ever encountering each other. It’s said they were searching for one another but missed each other completely.
CnP: How did the castle survive the Second World War? What was in the castle during the war?
LLW: During World War II, the secure barrel vault of the castle was used as a storage space for art treasures, and from the 1950s onward, it served as a local history museum. The art treasures were stored in the fireproof and bombproof central chamber of the barrel vault for safekeeping. In 1943, the Luxembourgish consul and his family also found refuge at the castle. In addition to the museum collection, other Rhineland art treasures were stored in the castle vault. In early 1945, the war front reached the Rhine.
LLW: During World War II, the secure barrel vault of the castle was used as a storage space for art treasures, and from the 1950s onward, it served as a local history museum. The art treasures were stored in the fireproof and bombproof central chamber of the barrel vault for safekeeping. In 1943, the Luxembourgish consul and his family also found refuge at the castle. In addition to the museum collection, other Rhineland art treasures were stored in the castle vault. In early 1945, the war front reached the Rhine.
LLW: The neighboring town of Bingerbrück suffered heavy damage, but near Burg Reichenstein, only one bomb fell — on the “Old Redoubt.” The Kirsch-Puricellis were Luxembourgish citizens at that time. In addition to the museum collection, other Rhineland art treasures were stored in the castle vault. In early 1945, the war front reached the Rhine. The neighboring town of Bingerbrück suffered heavy damage, but near Burg Reichenstein, only one bomb fell — on the “Old Redoubt.” The Kirsch-Puricellis were Luxembourgish citizens at that time.
CnP: Why is the castle also known as Falkenburg?
LLW: In 1834, the Prussian Major General Franz Wilhelm August von Barfuß bought the ruined castle and renamed it “Falkenburg.” This allowed him, in 1852, to obtain permission to call himself and his descendants “von Barfuß-Falkenburg.” However, the right to the name expired in 1877 when the castle was sold. On a corridor on the first floor, there is a beautiful mosaic in the floor showing a falcon, a reminder of this name. Every year, a pair of falcons still nests at the top of the small library tower and flies its hunting routes around the castle daily.
LLW: In 1834, the Prussian Major General Franz Wilhelm August von Barfuß bought the ruined castle and renamed it “Falkenburg.” This allowed him, in 1852, to obtain permission to call himself and his descendants “von Barfuß-Falkenburg.” However, the right to the name expired in 1877 when the castle was sold. On a corridor on the first floor, there is a beautiful mosaic in the floor showing a falcon, a reminder of this name. Every year, a pair of falcons still nests at the top of the small library tower and flies its hunting routes around the castle daily.
CnP: The castle is now a hotel — what’s your best room and why?
LLW: We currently have 23 rooms in the castle and an additional 12 rooms in the adjoining "White Horse" inn. Starting from spring 2026, there will be 10 more rooms, bringing the total to 45. Each room is a little adventure in itself. My wife lovingly curated the colors and the design. Our most spectacular rooms feature a terrace and a wide view over the beautiful Rhine Valley.
LLW: We currently have 23 rooms in the castle and an additional 12 rooms in the adjoining "White Horse" inn. Starting from spring 2026, there will be 10 more rooms, bringing the total to 45. Each room is a little adventure in itself. My wife lovingly curated the colors and the design. Our most spectacular rooms feature a terrace and a wide view over the beautiful Rhine Valley.
CnP: Who helps you with the day-to-day operations of the hotel?
LLW: Since 2015, the Gerwinat family and their team have been running Burg Reichenstein. Many of the employees — and the Gerwinats themselves — are celebrating their 10-year anniversary this year, which we are very proud of.
LLW: Since 2015, the Gerwinat family and their team have been running Burg Reichenstein. Many of the employees — and the Gerwinats themselves — are celebrating their 10-year anniversary this year, which we are very proud of.
CnP: Why should I choose to stay at Reichenstein Castle Hotel—what’s so special about it?
LLW: Our hotel is timelessly and modernly furnished—a beautiful contrast to the old castle and yet stylistically inspired by the era of our ancestors. As a hotel guest, you also have the privilege of exploring the outdoor areas after the museum closes, enjoying a glass of wine in the garden—something our guests truly appreciate.
LLW: Our hotel is timelessly and modernly furnished—a beautiful contrast to the old castle and yet stylistically inspired by the era of our ancestors. As a hotel guest, you also have the privilege of exploring the outdoor areas after the museum closes, enjoying a glass of wine in the garden—something our guests truly appreciate.
CnP: How many guests can you accommodate at one time?
LLW: Currently, we can accommodate up to 70 adults and 16 children between the hotel and the White Horse inn. Our rooms and restaurant allow us to host events for up to 250 guests.
LLW: Currently, we can accommodate up to 70 adults and 16 children between the hotel and the White Horse inn. Our rooms and restaurant allow us to host events for up to 250 guests.
CnP: The castle is quite a large and old building—it needs constant attention. Do you have to pay for restoration works/maintenance out of your own pocket?
LLW: We hope that the operation of the castle will increasingly contribute to covering the ongoing maintenance work in the coming years. Our goal is to ensure sustainable preservation through a successful and thriving local business.
LLW: We hope that the operation of the castle will increasingly contribute to covering the ongoing maintenance work in the coming years. Our goal is to ensure sustainable preservation through a successful and thriving local business.
CnP: What is the best or most unusual item on your restaurant’s menu?
LLW: Our museum visitors love our "BR Currywurst," a veal bratwurst served with homemade curry sauce and fries—an absolute hit. In the evenings, we focus on regional dishes such as Wisper trout or vegetables from Niederheimbach. During the winter season, we also offer game from the surrounding forests.
LLW: Our museum visitors love our "BR Currywurst," a veal bratwurst served with homemade curry sauce and fries—an absolute hit. In the evenings, we focus on regional dishes such as Wisper trout or vegetables from Niederheimbach. During the winter season, we also offer game from the surrounding forests.
CnP: How about wine—I bet you should produce some local Riesling, right?
LLW: 2022 was our very first vintage under the Burg Reichenstein label.
The previous vintage had been in 1966, after which my great-uncle let the vineyard fall into disuse. In the meantime, we have successfully completed three harvests. It brings incredible joy, and despite its young age, the wine has already reached top quality—a small miracle. It gives us great hope for many more outstanding vintages to come
LLW: 2022 was our very first vintage under the Burg Reichenstein label.
The previous vintage had been in 1966, after which my great-uncle let the vineyard fall into disuse. In the meantime, we have successfully completed three harvests. It brings incredible joy, and despite its young age, the wine has already reached top quality—a small miracle. It gives us great hope for many more outstanding vintages to come
CnP: Do you host re-enactment tournaments or medieval festivals?
LLW: In 2023, we had the honor of serving as the location for one of the largest Harry Potter conventions in Germany. It was a wonderful experience. Our castle primarily reflects the era of Rhine Romanticism, which is why we don't organize our own medieval festivals. However, in Oberwesel, about 15 km upstream along the Rhine, one of the largest medieval spectacles in the country takes place every two years.
LLW: In 2023, we had the honor of serving as the location for one of the largest Harry Potter conventions in Germany. It was a wonderful experience. Our castle primarily reflects the era of Rhine Romanticism, which is why we don't organize our own medieval festivals. However, in Oberwesel, about 15 km upstream along the Rhine, one of the largest medieval spectacles in the country takes place every two years.
CnP: Would you buy a castle for yourself if you didn't have Reichenstein?
LLW: No. The castle only made sense for us because it is pure family history, and I have had an extremely strong emotional attachment to it since childhood.
CnP: What other castles do you like, besides Reichenstein of course?
LLW: There are certainly other beautiful castles, but none is even remotely as beautiful and special as Reichenstein.
CnP: What would you say to those who dream of buying a castle to restore?
LLW: You need a lot of enthusiasm, enormous energy, and patience — and most importantly, a family that not only supports but fully lives this adventure with you.
LLW: No. The castle only made sense for us because it is pure family history, and I have had an extremely strong emotional attachment to it since childhood.
CnP: What other castles do you like, besides Reichenstein of course?
LLW: There are certainly other beautiful castles, but none is even remotely as beautiful and special as Reichenstein.
CnP: What would you say to those who dream of buying a castle to restore?
LLW: You need a lot of enthusiasm, enormous energy, and patience — and most importantly, a family that not only supports but fully lives this adventure with you.
I really hope you enjoyed the story of Mr. Lambert Lensing-Wolff, who owns and runs his ancestral Burg Reichenstein in the picturesque Rhine Valley in Germany! Don't miss new stories by other castle owners!
Photo credits: @Burg Reichenstein
You can always get in touch with us via castlesandfamilies@gmail.com
Photo credits: @Burg Reichenstein
You can always get in touch with us via castlesandfamilies@gmail.com