ホーエンアールの洞窟・トップ20

On the left the path leads to the former Blankenstein Castle

In its current state (winter 24), this path is no longer my favorite. Lots of dead wood (the path to the castle ruins is closed) and broken trees in the winter gray.

I really liked the city.

Hohensolms Castle, also known as Neu-Hohensolms, is a hilltop castle on the so-called "Ramsberg" at around 430 m above sea level. NN The castle was built around 1350 by the Counts of Solms. It replaced Alt-Hohensolms Castle, which was destroyed in 1349 by the imperial city of Wetzlar and was about 2 kilometers further south on the Altenberg. In the disputes with the imperial city of Wetzlar, Neu-Hohensolms was partially destroyed in 1356 and 1363. https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burg_Hohensolms

Vetzberg Castle offers a beautiful view, especially of Gleiberg Castle. As a repeat offender, I climbed the castle on a sunny, cold winter's day. The ascent and the wintry view are worth recommending!

Gleiberg Castle is a must and is a highlight of the hike: Here the tower with its 149 steps is open and we experience one of the most amazing 360 degree panoramic views on the Lahn hiking trail, admittedly the weather should be right: just a few clouds so that the sky isn't so boringly blue and little haze. The two castles Vetzberg and Gleiberg are such beautiful photo models, the Dünsberg keeps forcing its way into the picture and I can't stop taking photos. It's hard to believe that both castles are the same height at 310 and 308 meters, but the Gleiberg view + ruins are unbeatable.

The Counts of Solms rebuilt Hohensolms Castle in 1350 after their first castle was completely destroyed elsewhere in 1349. From the former residence of the Counts of Solms-Hohensolms, the furnishings of the knight's hall, the carvings in the stairwell and the artistic wood paneling in the upper chambers have been preserved. The castle has been owned by the Evangelical Church in Hesse and Nassau since 1953 and is used as a guest house for children and young people. In the castle (main building), the house offers plenty of space for children and young people with shared rooms and some head rooms with associated shower/toilet. In the modern Marstall there are 18 rooms with shower/toilet for 2 - 6 people. Numerous conference rooms for 20 - 200 people are available. The former princely seat of Hohensolms has been a youth castle since 1924. Source: https://www.tourenplaner-rheinland-pfalz.de/de/punkt/schloss/burg-hohensolms/38413007/

Gleiberg Castle, located on a striking 308 m high basalt cone, is the landmark of the Gleiberg region that can be seen from afar and is a popular tourist destination. Information about the castle can be found here: https://www.burg-gleiberg.de/ The castle and observation tower were open on a Monday, admission was free. The view from above is worth it!