Once a magnificent fortress in the Schaesberg suburb of Landgraaf (NL) dating back to the 13th century, Slot Schaesberg was neglected for many decades before being torn down in the 1970s for safety reasons. Today only a few walls remain to tell the story of this historic structure.
The eerie ruins remind visitors of a time when life was more difficult and danger lurked in every corner. Slot Schaesberg docents tell legendary tales of the bokkenrijders (a gang of "Robin Hood"-like men who stole from the rich to give to the poor) who were imprisoned and executed there.
 |
| Jonkheer Willem Hendrik Teding van Berkhout (1825-1903), retrieved from http://www.vfbrans.nl/tvb.htm |
 |
| Slot Schaesberg in 1919 (Attribution: Rijksdienst voor het Cultureel Erfgoed) |
 |
| Slot Schaesberg 2017 |
Today the castle ruins are surrounded by a moat as fishing hobbyists leisurely cast out lines in the water. A diverse flower and vegetable garden is maintained by volunteers from the local community and visitors can wander through pathways along the water.
Renovation has already begun on Slot Schaesberg with plans to restore the castle to its original state over the next 30 years. School groups frequently tour the ruins and will assist in the rebuilding process.
 |
| Slot Schaesberg in 1919 (Attribution: Rijksdienst voor het Cultureel Erfgoed) |
 | ||||
| Slot Schaesberg in 1965 (Attribution: Rijksdienst voor het Cultureel Erfgoed) |
 |
| Slot Schaesberg 2017 |
For locals wishing to visit, the castle is open Tuesday through Sunday 10.00-17.00. Tours are given at leisure--whenever enough people have arrived, the tour will begin! Cost is 3 Euros per person (2 Euros for children) and proceeds go towards the renovation project. Parking is free in the dedicated parking lot roughly 100 meters away from the Visitor Center entrance.
A modern-day venue for events and activities, you can stay up to date on happenings at Slot Schaesberg via their Facebook page. Photo updates are also posted on renovation progress.
