Photos courtesy of Kasteel Wittem
Kasteel Wittem began life as a stone tower built along a stream in the 11th century. Its first owners were a Liègeois family with the name of De Julemont. They added protective walls and six more towers, but only one of these towers survives today.
Because of its strategic position between Maastricht, Aachen, and Liège, many notable personalities, such as Emperor Charles V, William of Orange, and Peter the Great, stayed here.
A later owner, Count Van Waldeck Pyrmont was forced to sell the property to pay his debts, and another count, Count Van Plettenberg took over the estate. After the French Revolution, the castle began to deteriorate from neglect, until Simon Merckelbach, a nearby tenant farmer, bought the castle ruins and transformed them into a neo-gothic château. His son, Jan Mathys Merckelbach, laid the castle gardens we see today.
The castle found new purpose as a hotel in 1958 under the direction of hotelier J. Rooding. In 2011, the castle was renovated and reopened under its new owners: Ronald and Silvia de Meij-Rooding.
Pamela’s Perspective
The hotel does not have a restaurant for evening meals. However, there are a number of excellent restaurants in the area that the staff will recommend for you.
Kasteel Wittem
An 11th-century castle
Contact
Wittemer Allee 3
6286 AA Wittem
Tel: ++31 (0)43 450 1208
Fax: ++31 (0)43 450 1260
Hotel website
Reserve with Booking.com
Fast facts
12 rooms
Double rooms: 95–175 euros
Tower Suite: 150–225 euros
Rates do not include breakfast
Open: All year. Closed Mondays during winter months.
Getting there
Wittem is just about 18 km east of Maastricht. Take N278. When you pass through Gulpen-Wittem, the castle will be off on your left.
What to do
On site: bicycle rentals; library
Nearby: golf; hiking; Klooster Wittem; Maastricht; Aachen
Weddings
Yes. Inquire hotel for details.
If you favor small, family-operated castle hotels with personalized service, Kasteel Wittem makes a fine choice in the Limburg region.
It’s always a great feeling after you’ve been driving to pull up to your new address, receive a genuine, warm welcome and then be escorted to your room for the night. And you’ll be in good company: Charles V spent the night here on the way to his coronation in Aachen in 1520.
Of course, the castle looked very different back then—as did the guest rooms. Today you’ll find spacious and tastefully decorated rooms with all the creature comforts you need. Decor is modern, but dark wood beams in several of the rooms give a nice castle-like touch. All have en suite baths or showers.
For a special splurge, go for the tower room; it dates from the 11th century.
The castle brasserie serves lunch, coffee and pastries every day (except Monday) until late afternoon. And naturally, you can enjoy an excellent breakfast with views overlooking the castle garden.
Take time to explore the 3 hectares (7 1/2 acres) of parkland. Dating from the 18th century, you’ll find trees that are 300 years old. One of the moats and the ponds also date from the 18th century; these originally held trout. There’s also a second moat that was dug at the time of the original castle.
Something special
The castle is listed as a national monument.