Greifenstein Castle in Germany

Greifenstein, is most associated with the unique museum of bells, which can be seen there. The remarkable collection has over 50 different bells and all are within the German museum of bells - German Bell Museum.

Greifenstein Castle gives the name of the village itself, which is located in the Lahn-Dill-Kreis in Hesse. Visitors of Greifenstein castle are able to see the old prison with many medieval instruments and devices of torture, creepy catacombs and an interesting church.

Greifenstein Castle is remarkable for its two tall towers, which are interrelated. Today the castle guests can climb the stone stairs within them and reach the top part of the tower which is boasting of the most breathtaking views of the surrounding area.

Greifenstein Castle was built in the 13th century, the first written records mentioning its owner, Rudolf von Greifenstein is from 1226. In 1298 the castle was seriously damaged by the attack of King Adolf von Nassau.

In 1432 Greifenstein becomes the property of Solms-Braunfels, who in the years between 1440-1480 made a major reconstruction and expansion of the castle. At that time he built a Gothic chapel, many additional rooms and a water tank and all the water mains of the fortress.

In 1974, castle Greifenstein was open to the public as a local museum, a unique museum of bells was also opened there in 1984. Among the bells in the museum are some dating from the ninth century. Each visitor has the opportunity to create his or her own unique compositions using the various bells in Greifenstein.

The complex of the castle has a nice restaurant which is reminiscent of the knightly times with its medieval atmosphere. Along with the historic atmosphere the restaurant offers modern luxuries that are prominent not only in service but in specialties that are served to guests.