The emperors of the Hohenstaufen dynasty once sat enthroned on this huge rock ship and controlled the fortunes of the Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation. In addition to storing the imperial regalia, copies of which are on display today, the castle also served as a prison for opponents of the emperors. The most famous of these, Richard the Lionheart, is said to have been held captive in the castle for over a year and only regained his freedom after paying a massive ransom of twelve tons of silver. The castle is also a highlight for climbers, who enjoy scrambling up the 80 meters of the front rocky prow in the evening sun.

From here you have one of the most beautiful views of the Trifels opposite. You can also sometimes find beginner climbers here who want to climb a short, enjoyable wall or climb around the rock. As part of the Trifels group, the castle probably served to protect the Trifels, but was abandoned in the 13th century.

Still closed in April 2024 due to renovation work.

Class castle ruins, where children can go on their discovery tour. At the entrance there is a small donation box for the preservation of this beautiful ruin. 👍Please note: The castle ruins of Neu Scharfeneck have been closed since October 2nd, 2019 due to dilapidation.

Current information is available at:
neu Scharfeneck.de/

The Ramburg above the Dernbachtal is easy to hike and therefore perfect for families with small children. Next door can be strengthened at the Ramburgschenke typical Pfälzer home cooking and Rieslingschorle.

The rather unknown Meistersel - also called Modeneck or Modenbacher Schloss - was founded around the 11th century and destroyed in the 30-year war.

Drachenfels Castle is definitely worth a climb. A great experience, and not just because of the beautiful view. Exploring the structure of this castle is a real adventure, as it differs significantly from the usual castles.

Very beautiful and well-preserved robber baron's castle. Was extensively renovated by private owners. Be sure to take a guided tour! On the one hand, because it is worth seeing, on the other hand, to support the owners and thus to be able to continue to preserve the castle. Enjoy the nature!

The Tower of Little France or Thurm France is the pre-festival for Berwartstein Castle, from which you have a beautiful view from here.

Unfortunately, the tower is closed and not accessible. For the view alone, a detour from the Ritter Trapp Weg, which passes close to the tower, is worthwhile.

More information about the tower can be found here:
de.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burg_Klein-Frankreich

For beautiful photos of the castle it is definitely worth a camera with a telephoto lens dabeizuhaben.

First mentioned in a document in 1127, probably a lot older
very large castle complex.

Neudahn was destroyed like almost all castles in Wasgau in the course of the peasants' war in the 16th century. Nevertheless, it belongs to one of the best preserved castles of the Palatinate Forest and was fortunately restored in the 70s true to the original.

From up here you have a comprehensive overview of the Wasgau with its gently rolling hills and dreamy clearings. The castle was destroyed in the Peasants' War in the 16th century and was never rebuilt. Admission is free.

Under the castle, the Cramerhaus tempts you with Palatinate specialties and selected Palatinate wines. For the little ones there is a playground and a small animal enclosure with goats, geese and sheep.

A jewel among the Palatinate castles. Well restored, with an excellent castle tavern and a view that can otherwise only be enjoyed from the Landeck. On clear days you can see across the entire Rhine plain to the Odenwald.

You can park right next to the castle. Admission free.

This extremely well-preserved castle, which is one of the most famous in the Palatinate, lies above Klingenmünster. From the keep you have a sensational view over the entire Rhine plain. Concerts and medieval markets (Landeckfest) take place here, where you can watch all sorts of hustle and bustle. Here, too, a castle tavern with a terrace invites you to enjoy tarte flambée and other dishes.

The name - as well as everything about this ruin is unknown. It is certain that it is one of the oldest palaces of the Palatinate and since the year 2000 it has been protected by UNESCO.

This small castle, like many others, was destroyed in the Palatinate Peasants' War. Only sparsely restored, it still offers a wonderful view over the southern Palatinate Forest and the adjacent Vosges. Below the ruins lies a beautiful castle fountain.

The Blumenstein is a typical Wasgauer Felsenburg, which like many others was built in the 13th century. Stairs hewn into the rock lead all the way up to the plateau where a keep once stood. Precisely because the Blumenstein is so small, its plateau invites you to take a cozy snack break. An insider tip.

The highest castle in the Palatinate, at 571 meters above sea level, is located right on the border with Alsace in France. It impresses with a very well-preserved upper castle and, due to its height, offers a perfect panorama over the gently rolling hills of the Wasgau.