オーバーシュテンフェルトの洞窟・トップ20

The castle is not open to the public. Guided tours are occasionally available on Sundays (€10). Dates are published in the press. Registration is required by phone.

A former residential tower from the 16th century, built on the site of a previous structure (around 1300). Today, it serves as the operational and residential building of the Burg Wildeck wine-growing experimental estate. Entry to the castle courtyard is not permitted.

Helfenberg Castle, built in the Staufer period, was once a large residential castle with a residential tower and shield wall. The elaborately designed residential tower with three floors leaned against the shield wall. Other knightly families keep cropping up as owners. In 1259, the name Albertus de Helfenberg is mentioned in a document from the Lichtenthal monastery. In 1579, Philipp von Wittstadt rebuilt and expanded Helfenberg Castle. He tried several times to have the castle transferred to his daughter or her son-in-law, Hans von Buchholz, but the Württemberg fiefdom refused permission. This was the reason why Hans von Buchholz had his own castle built down in the hamlet of Finkenbach. The name Finkenbach probably changed to Helfenberg (Unterhelfenberg) in the process. With Unterhelfenberg and Oberhelfenberg, there were thus two knightly estates in 1625. Since the 18th century, the entire Helfenberg estate was in the hands of the von Gaisberg family.

Hollow walls, fantastic, huge windows. This is a great place to take a short break after the climb. The photo shows the view of the Amalienhof winery.

https://www.burg-stettenfels.de/

When the weather is nice, you can enjoy the unique atmosphere of Stettenfels Castle with its magnificent panoramic view over the valley to the Löwenstein Mountains. When the weather is not so good and in the autumn months, the umbrella bar offers a sheltered space to enjoy the view. Panoramic beer garden & umbrella bar in the park The beer garden has 750 seats in the middle of the old trees in the park of Stettenfels Castle. The menu offers a wide variety of food and drinks.

Good bike path up to the castle. Route through the vineyards, little to no traffic. Steep approach, which is worthwhile. Once at the top, there is a great view. By the way, you can watch great sunsets from there!

Above the vineyards, nice and shady inside to linger after the climb. Not overcrowded at all, but I think it's worth seeing.