Zelem Castle: Gentle tourism secures the future on the Lower Rhine!

Zelem Castle: Gentle tourism secures the future on the Lower Rhine!

Jochen Arden, the owner of Zelem Castle in Kranenburg, has ambitious plans to expand the use of his historic knight's seat. The aim is to secure the future of the castle and generate additional income through “soft tourism”. Zelem Castle has been owned by the Arden family since 1922 and was first mentioned in documents in the 12th century. This old knight's residence is not only a testament to history, but is also intended to be expanded into a cultural center for the region.

Arden, who previously had a career in the automotive trade, particularly with Jaguar, has carried out extensive renovation work on the castle over 13 years since 2000 - without any funding. The outer bailey, which once served as a barn, is currently being converted to accommodate seminars, readings and concerts. To further increase the castle's historical significance and appeal, Arden also plans to open its collection of historic vehicles more to the public.

Tourist Support and Regional Concerns

The planned changes to promote sustainable tourism have both supporters and critics. Niederrhein Tourismus GmbH is supportive because there is a need for overnight accommodation in the region. The NRW Ministry of Economic Affairs has also signaled its approval of the tourism plans. However, Mayor Ferdinand Böhmer points out that no building application has yet been submitted for the planned tiny houses.

However, there are concerns among the farming community about the planned changes. However, according to Arden, there should be no restrictions for neighboring farmers. This is an important point to maintain dialogue with the local community and allay possible fears.

A historical legacy

Zelem Castle is located in the Düffel landscape and is described as a former knight's seat. Historical records show that the castle was mentioned among the estates of Echternach Abbey in the early 12th century. In the 14th century, the castle changed hands several times, including important families and nobles in the region. The castle's characteristic features, including two corner towers and a portal with the Palant family coat of arms, have been preserved to this day.

The Burg Zelem Foundation was also set up by Jochen Arden to preserve the knight's seat in the long term and to support cultural projects. Events include the annual Arden British Day, which attracts classic car enthusiasts. A 3D simulation of the castle was also created to illustrate its historical significance. Jochen Arden sees the renovation and preservation of Zelem Castle as his life's work and continues to advocate for its development in order to preserve the historic site for future generations.