Located in the village of Ovifat, south of the Hautes Fagnes, nestled in a verdant landscape, Reinhardstein Castle dominates the Warche on its rocky promontory, 800m downstream of the Robertville dam.
Chateau de Reinhardstein History
It was in 1354 that Duke Wenceslas of Luxembourg granted Renaud of Waimes permission to build a castle on this site. Due to the extinction of the Waimes family, the caste is subsequently taken over by the Zivelle, Brandscheid and Naussau families.
In 1550, following the marriage of Anne Naussau to Guillaume di Metternich, Reinhardstein became the property of this important Rhenish family, until the French Revolution. Abandoned, it gradually falls into important ruins.
In 1812, Count Metternich, Chancellor Klement's father, sells the building.
In 1965, Jean Overloop, a teacher in Brussels, discovered the ruined castle almost by accident and, in his own words, it was love at first sight.
After long months of work, helped by a few enthusiasts and relying on the experience of local artisans, he raised the castle from the ruins.
The annual medieval festival is accompanied by themed weekends (music concerts, exhibitions, tastings, etc.)
Contemporary and historical exhibits now adorn the castle walls. The management chooses exceptional collections and established artists each year to enrich the visitor experience.