Oberes Schloss

The Upper Castle, also known as Oberes Schloss, is a majestic medieval fortress crowning the summit of Siegberg hill in the city of Siegen. A site that Germany is rightfully proud of, it is a unique historical complex situated 307 meters above sea level.

Upper Castle. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

Today, the castle walls house the famous Siegerland Museum (Siegerlandmuseum). Here, visitors can explore the rich history, culture, and folklore of the region. The complex includes the main historical buildings, a cozy inner courtyard featuring a fountain preserved from the 13th century, and a picturesque park surrounding the fortress walls.

The castle is not only an architectural monument but also an important cultural hub where ancient stone vaults meet art and science. It is a must-visit for anyone wishing to connect with the heritage of the County of Nassau and see how the German aristocracy lived in centuries past.

When planning your visit to the Upper Castle and the museum, it’s helpful to have current contact information at hand. You can check the schedule of temporary exhibitions on the official website or plan your route using a navigator.

A visit to the Upper Castle promises a rich cultural experience. The main highlight is the Siegerland Museum, with exhibits spread across 35 rooms. Be sure to stop by the 14th-century Gothic hall—its gray slate cobblestone floor is an original testament to medieval craftsmanship.

Art historians and beauty enthusiasts will be delighted by the gallery housing authentic canvases by the great Peter Paul Rubens, who was born in Siegen. The museum also introduces the lives of other prominent natives of the region, including the writer Johann Heinrich Jung-Stilling and the famous musicians, the Busch brothers.

One of the most exciting parts of the visit is the demonstration mine, located directly beneath the castle courtyard. Descending to a depth of 14 meters, you can walk through a 150-meter tunnel and see reconstructed working conditions of miners, providing a vivid insight into the importance of the mining industry for this region.

The Upper Castle is located in the heart of the city's historic center at Burgstraße 5. If you are already in the so-called "Upper Town," the best way to reach it is on foot. The walk to the top of Siegberg hill is very scenic, with the route passing through old streets lined with charming half-timbered houses.

For those who prefer public transport, numerous buses stop in the city center, from which the castle is a 10–15 minute walk. If you choose to take a taxi from Siegen’s main station, the ride to the fortress entrance will take only a few minutes.

It is also convenient for motorists to reach the site: well-maintained access roads lead to the castle, and parking spaces for visitors are provided in the immediate vicinity of the historical complex.

The history of the Upper Castle dates back to the High Middle Ages. Its first official written mention is dated September 2, 1259, where it appears as burch inde der stad zen Sigin. However, historians suggest that fortifications existed on this site as early as 1200 or 1224, when the city was divided between Count Henry II of Nassau and the Archbishop of Cologne.

The castle's uniqueness lay in its dual purpose and architecture. For a long time, the complex was divided into the Bishop's House (Bischofshaus), located on the side of the Sieg River, and the Count's House (Grafenhaus) by the Weiß River. According to a 1343 treaty, these two properties shared a common gate, a main tower, and an inner courtyard with a fountain.

This unusual division of property between ecclesiastical and secular powers left a mark on the development of the entire region. Today, the castle serves as a reminder of the times when Siegen was an important political and defensive hub on the map of medieval Europe.

To fully experience the Upper Castle, it is recommended to set aside 2 to 3 hours for your visit. This is enough time to explore the main exhibits of the Siegerland Museum, including its unique painting collection, and take a stroll through the picturesque park.

If you plan to study the historical artifacts in the museum's 35 rooms in detail or wish to descend into the demonstration mine beneath the courtyard, the visit may take half a day. For those short on time, an hour will suffice to admire the fortress's exterior architecture and enjoy panoramic views of the city.

The Upper Castle and the museum within it operate on a regular schedule convenient for most travelers. When planning your visit, please note that Monday is traditionally a closing day.

Opening Hours:
• Tuesday — Sunday: 10:00 – 17:00
• Monday: Closed

Exploring the surroundings of the Upper Castle will allow you to fully experience the atmosphere of the ancient city and see how history intertwines with modernity. Most points of interest are within walking distance, making this area ideal for leisurely strolls.

Near the castle complex, you'll find observation decks and monuments that tell stories of different periods in the region's life. Below is a list of nearby attractions: