Wachtenburg Castle ruins

Wachtenburg Castle is home to the ruins of a spur castle on the spur of a hill rising 232 m above sea level. The castle on what is known as Schloßberg directly above Wachenheim an der Weinstraße was probably built in the 12th century under Konrad von Hohenstaufen, a half-brother of the famous Emperor Barbarossa. The castle was destroyed by French troops during the War of the Palatinate Succession in 1689.

Wachtenburg Castle is located on the premium hiking trail Pfälzer Weinsteig. From the castle's lookout tower, there is a phenomenal view of the Rhine Valley that reaches as far as the Black Forest, which is why Wachtenburg Castle is also known as the "balcony of the Palatinate". The history of the castle is displayed in the small castle museum.

The attached Burgschänke offers typical Palatinate specialities.