Burg Herzberg

About the museum

Herzberg Castle sits on the 508-meter basalt cone of the Herzberg and in the Middle Ages secured one of the most important army and trade routes from Frankfurt via Alsfeld to Thuringia and Saxony, known as "Durch die kurzen Hessen". The mountain is named after the castle.

Hans von Dörnberg and his master fortress builder Hans Jakob von Ettlingen expanded the complex into a practically impregnable fortress. It was considered so secure that part of the imperial regalia was kept here, which Emperor Maximilian I had pledged in 1486 to the Freiherren von Dörnberg and two other Hessian noblemen for around 27,000 guilders. During the Thirty Years' War, many people from the surrounding area sought refuge in the castle, which was besieged for long periods several times; during the Seven Years' War it also withstood changing sieges without damage.

The early Gothic castle chapel shows 109 coats of arms from 44 families on gravestones and epitaphs. Today the Freiherr von Dörnberg'sche Stiftung (foundation) manages the site; medieval markets and the castle revival in October bring it to life, and the castle tavern invites visitors in for a meal.

Highlights

• Hesse's largest hilltop castle on a basalt cone
• Early Gothic castle chapel with 109 coats of arms
• Wide views to the Rhön, Vogelsberg and Taunus
• Medieval events such as a spring market and the castle revival
• Castle tavern with beer garden

Permanent exhibition

• Burganlage mit Burgkapelle – The route leads through the medieval complex with its residential tower and early Gothic castle chapel, whose gravestones show 109 coats of arms.

Operated by

Freiherr von Dörnberg’sche Stiftung Burg Herzberg

Admission & discounts

Accessibility

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Getting there & parking

Via the A4, A5 or A7 to the Alsfeld (A5) or Niederaula (A7) exit, then continue on the B 62; the Huhnstadt exit is signposted.

Amenities & dining

• Restaurant

Burg Herzberg Schänke with specialties from Hesse and a beer garden; reservations by phone only.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Weddings / ceremonies

Wedding couples can, by arrangement with the castle captain, be married in the restored defensive chapel.

Plan your visit