Anholt moated castle

As early as the 12th century, there was a fortification to secure the bishopric of Utrecht. In 1169, a Lord of Sulen "en Anholt" is mentioned for the first time as a feudal lord of the Bishop of Utrecht, Gottfried von Rhenen. This feudal relationship came to an end in the 13th century when the Lordship of Anholt gained imperial immediacy and the property passed to the Counts of Bronckhorst-Batenburg. Through the marriage of Countess Maria Anna von Bronckhorst-Batenburg to Prince Leopold Philipp Carl zu Salm in 1641, the manor of Anholt passed to the House of Salm, which still owns it today.

The characteristic landmark of the moated castle to this day is the keep, the "Fat Tower", which dates back to the 12th century. From the 14th to the 16th century, the former centre of the castle was considerably extended and expanded to its current dimensions. Under Prince Carl Theodor Otto zu Salm (1645-1710), the castle was remodelled and expanded into a prestigious Baroque residence.

To this day, Anholt moated castle is one of the few castles in North Rhine-Westphalia that is still privately owned but can be visited as part of a guided tour. Visitors are given an insight into the representative salons, private rooms and the 1000-year history of the house. The art to be discovered bears witness to the family's passion for collecting to this day - be it porcelain, baroque furniture, glass, coins, weapons or the historical book collection. The internationally renowned collection of old masters is particularly worth seeing. The outer bailey is home to the Parkhotel with gastronomic offerings, including a spacious outdoor terrace with a view of the magnificent parkland.

Because of its location in the triangle of Münsterland, the Lower Rhine and the Netherlands, cyclists literally have unlimited possibilities here. A cycle tour through the three regions is just as worthwhile as a tour on the 100-Schlösser-Route.

• The park facilities of Wasserburg Anholt are accessible during the specified opening hours.
  
• Admission to the park is required.