Hiking Highlight
Auerbach Castle was established at the beginning of the 13th century above the town of Zwingenberg to ensure customs revenue and safety on the Bergstraße. It was built by the counts of Katzenelnbogen, a powerful aristocratic family from the Rhine-Main area.
The castle was considered impregnable at that time and was expanded over the years. When about 250 years after the castle was built in 1479, the last Count of Katzenelnbogen died, the castle came into the possession of the Landgraviate of Hesse-Darmstadt. Initially, the lavish building continued to be inhabited, but with the development of black powder storage weapons, the castle lost strategic importance and was abandoned.
Despite everything, the ruin is in an impressive state today and both towers are still accessible after a restoration. A unique sight is the over 300-year-old pine, which is located on top of the shield wall.
December 21, 2017
A very nice castle, it is closed at the moment, but the hiking trails are always great
March 6, 2021
Really great view in all directions! Odenwald - Rhine plain - Palatinate Forest - Melibokus! The castle walls and the two towers are great!
June 17, 2017
Very well preserved castle.
Here you can also marry or make a knight's meal.
Registration for the Knight's Meal required.
January 18, 2017
The pine, which grows on top of the castle, is considered the oldest in Germany.
October 13, 2017
The ruin is usually open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is freely accessible (and free of charge). In the restaurant (different opening times) you can even book knight's meals with English-speaking heralds. Opening hours, contact and more at
schloss-auerbach.deThe more than 300-year-old pine on a shield wall of the castle complex covers part of its water requirements through the air humidity, which condenses on the needles and drips to the ground. Incredible!
October 12, 2019
Always nice, but at the moment it is closed like so many other things
February 28, 2021
Very well preserved castle ruin also to make a small break and to enjoy the beautiful view
February 20, 2017
In good weather, beautiful views, relatively well preserved, very decent gastronomy.
November 10, 2019
A beautiful and well-preserved castle with a great view of the surrounding valleys! °
July 5, 2020
Auerbach Castle is one of the most famous castle complexes on the Bergstrasse. The unique view of the Rhine plain and the Odenwald is particularly fascinating.
February 10, 2022
There is a lot to discover here, a real adventure for the family. Fortunately, without entry. Attention, during the winter months only open on weekends.
October 30, 2019
Very nice hiking destination, unfortunately you can't get to the facility at the moment due to the corona conditions.
January 16, 2021
Impressive view of the surroundings. The tree that grows up on the walls is very bizarre.
February 11, 2018
For a visit you should definitely plan a little more time. Especially with children, but also without there are some exciting angles to discover.
Admission free, popular Ausflufsziel, accordingly well visited.
July 22, 2019
Great ruin, great views, great Burgschänke and lots of program points. A visit is definitely worth it!
June 17, 2017
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