Freusburg is an early medieval hilltop castle situated on a hilltop high above the Sieg River valley in Freusburg, a district of Kirchen in the Altenkirchen district (Westerwald) in Rhineland-Palatinate. The nearby settlement of Freusburg is named after the hilltop castle.
Freudeesburg was first mentioned in 913 under the name Fruodeesbraderofanc (Bifanc on the Fruodberg). Bifanc means farm estate or manor house. The first documented entry dates from 1048.
It is estimated that the actual castle was built around 1100. The castle was first mentioned by name in 1247, in connection with an inheritance division. Around 1580, Count Heinrich IV of Sayn had the castle renovated. In 1896, it became the property of the Prussian Forestry Office and served as a forest dwelling for many years.
The castle complex has been used as a youth hostel since 1928. Over time, it became necessary to adapt the hostel to modern standards. On October 23, 1986, after a complete renovation and a generous extension, the Freusburg was ceremoniously reopened by then-Federal President Richard von Weizsäcker. Today, with approximately 60,000 overnight stays per year, it is one of the most visited youth hostels in Germany.