Manderscheid Lower Castle — Attraction in Wittlich-Land

The Manderscheid Burgenfest (Medieval festival) was a lot of fun. There were multiple food vendors, an assortment of drinks (including mead), and a variety of rustic homemade goods that resembled goods that may have been sold during the actual medieval times. These shops include clothes and crafts made from wood, metal, leather, and other fabrics (there was even a woman with a spinning wheel making string from some animals hair).

Along with all this, there was a constant parade of medieval characters with various talents. This included an actual parade with all the different characters, a joisting tournament with knights and squires, multiple musical performances, and jester type juggling acts. They would perform on stage, but then just walk around the festival and start randomly playing/performing at different locations. My favorite was the red haired woman and the blonde headed man singing/musical/juggling duet.

Adding to this was the number of people not associated with the performers, but just like dressing in the clothes of that time period. I enjoyed the feeling of standing out because I did not have a fur cape and sword on my belt.

As the day went on, it got a bit crowed, but that is how it goes.

It was a...

We visited the castle on occasion of the Medeavel Festival and it must be the best time of the year to do so. First day, SAT, the weather was perfect, 19 deg and cloudy, extremely important as there is little shade on the castle lawn. We were not allowed to drive by car to the entrance, even to drop off the family and youn kids. The P+R is not close and the buses ran every 15 min. A bit of a queue. The 2 castles are in ruins, worth a climb, but nothing to visit, so the festival is all there is. High point was the joust, with side shows - jogglers, medieval music. Good fast food, on the brink of expensive. Not many craftshops though. Kids were entertained at some point in sword battle, knighting ceremony and some games available. No playground available. Toilets overcrowded, overworked, no baby amenities. We also went on SUN afternoon and evening when the Atmosphere was a lot more relaxed, as people left. No parade, but a last show involving all artists and crowning of the best artist. Grosser Zapfenstreich at the end,...

One of my favorite ruins so far. For context, I came here with my mother in law and three kids (ages 5,3,1; I wore the baby). It unfortunately rained the first 15 minutes of our visit. It’s an easy walk from the parking lot to the castle on paved ground but once you’re on castle grounds, forget using a stroller and be very cautious baby wearing or if you have any physical limitations, ESPECIALLY in the rain. Very slippery in some areas. I did fine personally but my 3 year old struggled. That said, once it stopped raining it dried off quickly. We did have to buy tickets, but pricing was very fair. They have a small gift shop and even what looked like a bar if you feel in the mood for a beer. SO much to explore with English and German signage. The ruins are pretty huge and decently well preserved. I am overall so glad we made the trip here today and went to the neighboring castle after, which we drive to, though apparently it’s a 15-20 minute walk...