Burg Berwartstein
Inhabited rock castle in the Wasgau near Erlenbach with guided tours of the armory, rock-cut chambers, and underground passages.
About the museum
The rock castle above Erlenbach bei Dahn was probably built as an imperial castle in the Salian or Hohenstaufen era and is first mentioned in records in 1152, when Emperor Frederick Barbarossa granted it to the Bishop of Speyer. In the 13th century it was the seat of the Lords of Berwartstein; after a siege in 1314 and the extinction of the family, the castle passed to Weissenburg Abbey in 1347.
The castle became famous through Hans von Trotha, known in the region as “Hans Trapp”, whom Elector Philip enfeoffed with it in 1480. He expanded it further, had the outwork “Klein-Frankreich” (Little France) built on the opposite Nestelberg in 1484, and quarreled bitterly with Weissenburg Abbey – he even cut off its water supply by damming the Wieslauter river. His feuds made him a legendary figure in the Palatinate and Alsace.
After a lightning strike in 1590, the castle lay in ruins for some 300 years. In 1893, Theodor von Baginski acquired the ruin and had it rebuilt and made habitable – not always in a historically faithful way. Today, Berwartstein is privately owned, the only inhabited castle in the Palatinate, and, with its guided tours, castle restaurant, and overnight accommodation, one of the most popular destinations in the Dahner Felsenland.
Highlights
- The only inhabited castle in the Palatinate
- Rooms and underground passages carved into the sandstone rock
- Deep castle well in the rock
- Armory and torture chamber with a stone catapult and battering ram
- Viewpoints overlooking the Wasgau as far as Alsace
- Outwork “Klein-Frankreich” on the neighboring hill
- Founded
- 1101
- Operated by
- Privatbesitz (Theo Wadle)
Admission & discounts
Admission prices are not published on the official website. Cash only; admission fees go toward maintaining the castle.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible: not available
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
According to the Rhineland-Palatinate museum portal, not accessible (rock castle with stairs and passages). Dogs on a leash are welcome.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
- Family tours & workshops
According to the castle, castle tours are expressly suitable for families, kindergartens and school classes; knight toys are available in the museum shop.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Nearest bus stop in Erlenbach bei Dahn, approx. 850 m walk to the castle.
By car
Free parking · 5-min walk to the entrance
Free parking for cars and buses below the castle.
Amenities & dining
- Café
- Restaurant
- Museum shop
Castle restaurant in the historic Knights' Hall (about 130 seats) and on the rock terrace with Palatinate cuisine, flammkuchen and homemade cake; souvenir shop with castle literature and knight toys; overnight accommodation at the castle.
Events & venue rental
- Spaces for rent
- Private parties
Knights' banquet in the Knights' Hall (from 80 people), terrace reception with torchlight tour (from 30 people), torchlight tour with knights' snack, senior coffee afternoons for groups; inquiries by phone or email.
Inquiries & detailsPlan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Photography | Photography allowed; video and film recording not permitted. |
| Good to know | Visits possible with a guided tour or on your own. Tours are suitable for families, school classes, kindergartens, and groups; group tours in English or French may be available by arrangement. Torchlight tours as special events (tickets through RHEINPFALZ offices). |
