As early as Roman times there was a shrine on this basalt hill towering up out of the plain. Previous to that the Germanic peoples had a place of sacrifice there (Wotansberg). The mediaeval castle, built around 1210, was a favourite residence of the Cologne Archbishops. In the so-called "Cologne War" it was overwhelmed by Archbishop Ernest von Bayern's troops and blown up. Rebuilt once again, it was finally destroyed in 1794.

Sightseeing and ascent of the tower is possible, by the public, at all times.

[Text taken from Castles On The Rhein]