Pyrmont Castle – hidden in the valley Published Sept. 28, 2009 By Iris Reiff 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- People who have enjoyed the breathtaking Neuschwanstein, hilltop Cochem or newly-renovated Vianden castles and would like to see additional castles in the local Eifel area have the option of visiting Schloss Pyrmont. Located a mere 50 kilometers from Spangdahlem Air Base, this castle is an ideal excursion for soaking up history and enjoying a day in the Eifel. Pyrmont castle is hidden in a valley but still reigns over a beautiful forested area. Historical records first mention Schloss Pyrmont in 1225. The oldest preserved section of the castle is the 82-foot Romanesque castle tower overlooking the Maifeld area. Of the original castle chapel only the 15th century choir is still intact. A Baroque castle was created in 1710, and 100 years later was abandoned by the French. Architects Hentrich and Petschnigg completely re-built and altered the style of Pyrmont in 1963, castle, giving it a new life. A self-guided sightseeing tour leads visitors through the castles hunting room, choir, Knights' hall, kitchen, armory and other rooms. Some of the fascinating items in the castle include the ground floor entrance hall where a 16th century tapestry woven in Flanders hangs; a display case with a wrought-iron door that contains centuries-old treasures; antique such as the smallest Bible in the world; a 15th century, traditional Eifel fireplace and a bronze mortar atop a Gothic iron chest. The castle hunting room features unique weapons and a variety of ancient hunting and fishing equipment. The walls are spotted with shooting targets and weapons from the nobel Waldbott von Bassenheim family, as well as an armor-plated money chest with its two Gothic padlocks and a profound locking mechanism. The chapel choir offers fine stonework with French details. The figure of a holy bishop handing coins to beggars was left at Pyrmont by the former owners, the Krause family, as a sort of patron saint of the castle. Another notable room is the Knights' hall containing a tremendous table that originally belonged to Charles I of England. Other treasures of the room include a Baroque heraldic cartouche, a beautiful Gothic chest with ornamental hinges, richly decorated wall-lights, featuring angel heads from late-Baroque times and several brass lamps from the middle-Rhine area. While the new castle kitchen is privately used these days the old kitchen is the oldest room of the castle, demonstrating the ancient requirements for daily life such as objects for living, cooking, sleeping and storing things. The room has a fireplace, cupboard, hand-painted Burgundian tiles, cooking utensils on the walls and oak chairs from a Dutch convent school. Visitors may enjoy a pleasant break in the castle's restaurant or café. A variety of food, snacks, cake and ice cream are available, all served by staff dressed in medieval garb. Traditional medieval dinners are available at the castle with a reservation. To get to Pyrmont castle, take Autobahn 1, which turns into Autobahn 48 from Wittlich towards Koblenz. Take the Kaifenheim exit and follow the signs to Pyrmont. The castle is located approximately one hour from the base.