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Germany
Rhineland-Palatinate
Palatinate Forest
Landkreis Bad Dürkheim
Esthal

Alt-Erfenstein Castle Ruins

Discover
Places to see

Castles

Germany
Rhineland-Palatinate
Palatinate Forest
Landkreis Bad Dürkheim
Esthal

Alt-Erfenstein Castle Ruins

Highlight • Castle

Alt-Erfenstein Castle Ruins

Recommended by 96 hikers out of 99

This Highlight is in a protected area

Please check local regulations for: Biosphärenreservat Pfälzerwald-Vosges du Nord

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    Location: Esthal, Landkreis Bad Dürkheim, Palatinate Forest, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany

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    Best Hikes to Alt-Erfenstein Castle Ruins

    4.6

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    1. Breitenstein Castle Ruins – Burg Spangenberg loop from Erfenstein

    7.37km

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    Moderate

    4.6

    (160)

    602

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    2. Wolfsschlucht Hut – Spangenberg Castle loop from Esthal

    15.8km

    04:36

    420m

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    Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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    Moderate

    4.6

    (138)

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    3. Burg Spangenberg – Wolfsschluchthütte loop from Erfenstein

    14.3km

    04:07

    350m

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    Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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    Moderate

    Tips

    January 21, 2023

    Alt-Erfenstein was abandoned in 1380 and was then uninhabited.
    Today there are only a few remains of the wall and the associated boulders, which are slightly above the (successor) Erfenstein Castle; in front of it is a single rest bench on the hiking trail

    Translated by Google •

      January 23, 2023

      Few remains of the old Erftenstein Castle

      Translated by Google •

        June 7, 2023

        The view from Alt-Erfenstein is even more beautiful than from Spangenberg Castle. The small detour is worth it, even if there is only one table with two benches.

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          October 23, 2023

          Alt-Erfenstein lies above the Erfenstein castle ruins. Apart from a few boulders, there isn't much left of Alt-Erfenstein. The huge rock formation there is impressive.

          Translated by Google •

            November 16, 2023

            Above the Erfstein castle ruins, however, there isn't much left

            Translated by Google •

              November 2, 2024

              From 1237 to 1380 the castle Alt Erfenstein stood here

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                November 1, 2025

                Alt-Erfenstein Castle sits atop a high rock overlooking the Speyerbach valley. The original structure dates back to 1237 and was abandoned in 1380 in favor of its successor, located just a few hundred meters away. The remaining features of Alt-Erfenstein are the imposing dry moat, the castle plateau, and impressive ashlar blocks in the stump of the keep. The site is surrounded by deep ravines and is unfortified. Alt-Erfenstein Castle was built in 1237 by the Counts of Leiningen to protect their forest holdings. It was first documented in 1272. In 1317, the Leiningen holdings were divided. The castle was abandoned in 1380 and has been uninhabited ever since.

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                  Elevation 270 m

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                  Thursday 13 November

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                  Max wind speed: 18.0 km/h

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                  Location: Esthal, Landkreis Bad Dürkheim, Palatinate Forest, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany

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