Burg Landshut Castle Ruins
Perched on a forested ridge high above the rooftops of Bernkastel, the ruined silhouette of Burg Landshut is the view that defines this stretch of the Moselle Valley. The hike up rewards every step with widening vistas over vine-terraced slopes and the silver ribbon of the river below.
History on the hilltop
Burg Landshut was first mentioned in the 4th century AD as a Roman fortification on the Moselle, making it one of the oldest sites in the region. A devastating fire in 1682 left it a ruin, and it has never been rebuilt — which only adds to its romantic, overgrown drama.
Informative display boards around the castle explain its origins and special features in words and pictures, so the visit doubles as a history lesson with one of the best classrooms in the Rhineland-Palatinate.
The climb and the view
The most popular route starts in Bernkastel old town and follows the Schlossweg steeply uphill through the vineyards, passing the St. Anna Chapel and its Stations of the Cross path before reaching the ruins. A circular trail continues to the summit called the Olymp at 415 m, one of the highest points close to the Moselle, where the view stretches from Brauneberg to Bernkastel.
A well-built walkway now circles the entire castle with convenient viewing platforms, so even a short loop around the perimeter delivers spectacular river panoramas without needing to scramble over rubble.
Eat with a view
The castle restaurant sits right inside the ruins and serves Moselle wine alongside regional dishes, with a spectacular view over Bernkastel-Kues and the entire valley below — arguably the finest lunch table in the Middle Moselle.
If you prefer not to hike, the Landshut Castle Express tourist train runs from the town, and there is also a small car park accessed via the Schlossweg road directly below the ruins.
Burg Landshut Castle Ruins on video
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