The castle is famously linked to the 'Lohengrin' saga, featuring a knight arriving in a boat pulled by a swan.
The Schwanenturm keep contains a large collection of mineralogical exhibits curated by the Klevischer Verein.
During the Middle Ages, the castle was one of the most powerful fortifications in the region due to its strategic position on a high ridge.
The site was the birthplace of Anne of Cleves, the fourth wife of King Henry VIII of England.
The interior of the tower features a well-preserved collection of historical coats of arms belonging to local nobility.
Schwanenburg is a historic hilltop castle in Kleve, famously associated with the legend of the Knight of the Swan, which inspired Richard Wagner’s opera Lohengrin. The complex currently houses the Museum Kurhaus Kleve and the local district court. Its most prominent feature is the 180-foot Schwanenturm, a keep dating back to the 14th century. The castle served as the ancestral seat of the Counts and Dukes of Kleve. The site underwent significant reconstruction in the 17th century after being damaged during the Thirty Years' War. Visitors can access the tower to view the surrounding Lower Rhine region from its observation deck. The architecture combines medieval fortifications with later structural modifications. It stands as a significant landmark of the Klever Berg, overlooking the city's old town.
From the base of the Schwanenturm looking up, or from the courtyard gate for a panoramic frame.
Climb the Schwanenturm stairs for the best vantage point of the city and the border landscape.
Check the Klevischer Verein website for exhibition updates before planning your arrival.
Combine your visit with a walk through the nearby gardens of the Klever Berg.
Do not assume all interior rooms are open, as the building functions as an active district court.
The tower is generally closed during the winter months.
