Manderscheid Travel Guide

As the name implies, the Oberburg is located above the Niederburg. It's on another hill, separated from the Niederburg by a small river. It's the older one, and said to date from the 10th century. The Oberburg also is ruined, like the Niederburg. It seems to be smaller, but I cannot tell much as we didn't visit it and just saw it from the Niederburg.

Every year on the last weekend in August, medieval life bursts forth in bright colors as the Lierser valley fills with people wanting to see jousting and other knightly skills and activities.

To get to the valley, follow the path just to the side of Niederburg and cross the footbridge to the beautiful grass field.

There are benches built into the hill to accomodate a hundred people or so and offers some shade relief from the heat. A few seesaws and swings offer other activities to entertain children. Also, a stone structure has been constructed for water closets and possibly refreshments.

It doesn't cost any money to go to Oberburg, but you do need to have a little time and enjoy a bit of a hike. Jus to the side of Niederburg is a path that leads back to the Lieser valley. There is a foot bridge that crosses the stream that seperates lower castle from the the open field next to it. You need to walk across the field toward the benches built into the hill side. There is a path by the benches that winds its way up the hill to Oberburg. The hike is not too long, but it is narrow at points and there are only a few places to rest along the way.

Once you reach Oberburg you will be greeted with a terrific view of Niederburg, the woods and the valley below. The castle ruins are in much worse shape than Niederburg, but you can walk around the ruins and climb the tower. If you walk around the base of the tower, be careful not to walk too closely to the structure itself. About half the way up in the tower there is a medieval toilet in the wall. It appears to still be used on occassion by visitors and it uses gravity to dispose of the waste.

The castle ruins are still in good enough shape to make a trip here worthwhile. There is a small fee to get in, but with a tiny bit of imagination you can step back into medieval times and sense the tension that exsted between Niederburg and Oberburg. When you climb to the top of the tower, to can look out and see the forests, Oberburg and the Lieser valley just below.

There is a gift shop located where you purchase the tickets to enter. If you have children, they will love the child-sized wood and leather replicas of medieval weapons, shields and helmets.

Also, shool groups sometimes go to the castle on field trips. It can be quite entertaining watching the children dressed in shirts decorated in bright colors and patterns on knights, wearing shields and carrying lances as they run an obsticle course and strike at wood and metal target along the way.