Wegelnburg

#287 among destinations in Germany

Forts and castles

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Facts and practical information

Perched atop the highest hill in the Palatinate region of Germany, the Wegelnburg castle ruins offer a historical journey and a breathtaking panorama. Dating back to the 12th century, this once formidable fortress now stands as a silent testament to the area's rich medieval history. With its elevation of 572 meters, Wegelnburg is the highest castle in the Palatinate, providing a strategic vantage point that was highly sought after by various ruling powers throughout the centuries.

Constructed around 1160 by the Lords of Wegelnburg, the castle's primary purpose was to serve as a feudal stronghold, overseeing the surrounding territories. Over time, the castle changed hands, witnessing numerous renovations and expansions, reflecting the architectural styles and military needs of each era.

Today, the castle ruins are a popular tourist destination, appealing to history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Visitors can explore the remnants of the once-massive walls, towers, and living quarters. The journey to the top may be steep, but the reward is a panoramic view that stretches across the Palatinate Forest and into the neighboring regions of France.

Alternative names: Coordinates: 49°3'40"N, 7°47'11"E

Location

Rhineland-PalatinateGermany

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Day trips

Wegelnburg – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: Burg Berwartstein, Drachenfels Castle, Blumenstein Castle, Biosphere House.

4.7 miNE
Forts and castles, Historical place
Burg Berwartstein
121 min walk • Nestled atop a rocky outcrop in the Palatinate Forest of Germany, Burg Berwartstein emerges as a vivid reminder of the medieval era. This authentic castle, with its imposing stone walls and strategic location, offers a unique journey back in time to the days of knights...
4.6 miNE
Forts and castles
Drachenfels Castle
118 min walk • Perched atop the craggy hill of the same name, Drachenfels Castle in Germany is a historic site that beckons with tales of knights, dragons, and ancient ruins. With its origins dating back to the early 12th century, this castle ruin is not only a testament to medieval...
3.3 miW
Forts and castles
Blumenstein Castle
85 min walk • Blumenstein Castle is a castle ruin in the Palatinate Forest in Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany. According to the State of Rhineland-Palatinate, Blumenstein castle was probably constructed in the first half of the 13th century as part of a line of defensive castles along the Alsatian border.
3.3 miNW
Museum
Biosphere House
85 min walk • The Biosphere House in the village of Fischbach bei Dahn in the German state of Rhineland-Pfalz is a nature experience centre and important regional tourist attraction.
4.4 miNE
Nature, Natural attraction, Mountain
Heidenberg
112 min walk • The Heidenberg is a 420-metre-high hill in the southeastern Wasgau, the region that covers the southern part of the Palatinate Forest in Germany and the northern Vosges in France.
4.7 miN
Nature, Natural attraction, Mountain
Großer Eyberg
119 min walk • The Großer Eyberg is a 513-metre-high hill in the southern Palatine Forest in Germany. It lies in the county of Südwestpfalz in the borough of Dahn in an area known as the Dahner Felsenland, a part of the Wasgau, a region which comprises the southern part of the Palatine Forest and the northern part of the Vosges Mountains.
4.6 miNE
Forts and castles
Little France
117 min walk • Little France is the ruin of a hillside fort in the German region of Dahner Felsenland. It lies above the village of Erlenbach bei Dahn in the county of Südwestpfalz in the state of Rhineland-Palatinate.
4.1 miE
Nature, Natural attraction, Mountain
Bobenthaler Knopf
104 min walk • The Bobenthaler Knopf is a hill, 534 m above sea level, in the southeastern Wasgau, the name given to the region covering the southern part of the Palatine Forest in Germany and the northern part of the Vosges in France.
4.2 miNE
Nature, Natural attraction, Mountain
Nestelberg
108 min walk • The Nestelberg is a 402-metre-high hill in the Dahner Felsenland in the Wasgau, a region that comprises the southern part of the Palatine Forest in the German state of Rhineland-Palatinate and the northern part of the French Vosges in the departments of Bas-Rhin and Moselle.
1.8 miW
Village
Schönau
46 min walk • Visitors to Schönau can explore the beautiful surrounding countryside, with its rolling hills, dense forests, and meandering rivers. Hiking and cycling are popular activities in the area, and there are numerous well-marked trails that lead through the breathtaking...