Gräfenstein Castle Ruins
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Burg GräfensteinPhoto: Dirk Weber, Tourist Information Gräfensteiner Land
The castle ruin Gräfenstein near Merzalben is a jewel from the Staufer era and has a heptagonal keep, unique in Germany, from which you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the forests of the Palatinate Forest Nature Park. There is free parking at the Schäferei hiking car park. From here, the castle can be reached in about 10 minutes on foot via a steep path.
The "Gräfensteinhütte" (06331/7845) of the local Palatinate Forest Association with outdoor terrace, playground and free parking is located at the foot of the Schlossberg in Hafertal.
The Gräfenstein castle ruins are a jewel from the Staufer era. It stands on an approx. 12 meter high, oval rock plateau made of red sandstone, approx. 2 km east of Merzalben. The castle, affectionately called "Merzalber Schloss" by the citizens, is at the same time the namesake of the hiking region Graefensteiner Land. It is also known for its heptagonal donjon, which is unique in Germany, from which one can enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the seemingly endless forests of the Palatinate Forest-Northern Vosges Biosphere Reserve. Every year a rustic castle festival takes place on the Graefenstein, which draws numerous guests from near and far under its spell and brings the Middle Ages to life. Guided tours of the castle are also offered at regular intervals (More information on guided tours at www.g-ig.de). The easiest way to get to the Graefenstein is from the Schäferei hiking car park. A steep path leads directly up to it at around 10 minutes on foot.
At the foot of the mountain in Hafertal is the Gräfensteinhütte (06331/7845) of the local Palatinate Forest Association. It has a wonderful outdoor terrace and has a children's playground and free parking facilities.
Opening hours
| Sunday | 00:00–24:00 |
| Monday | 00:00–24:00 |
| Tuesday | 00:00–24:00 |
| Wednesday | 00:00–24:00 |
| Thursday | 00:00–24:00 |
| Friday | 00:00–24:00 |
| Saturday | 00:00–24:00 |
Freely accessible all year round. Entry is free.
Coordinates
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Gräfenstein Castle Ruins
66976 Rodalben
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- 8 Routes nearby
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