Little France

Little France is a medieval defense tower near Erlenbach bei Dahn, standing at 322 meters above sea level on the northern slopes of Nestelberg mountain. The structure features walls approximately 3 meters thick with several weapon embrasures visible in the remaining battery tower.

Knight Hans von Trotha built this fortification in 1484 as an outpost for Berwartstein Castle, serving to defend the surrounding Leichenfeld area. The location functioned as a strategic defensive point for the region at that time.

The structure was originally called Thurm Frankreich, a name reflecting its proximity to the French border. Visitors can still sense this historical connection when looking out from the site toward the nearby frontier regions.

Restoration work begun in 2005 has made the site accessible to visitors exploring the remaining structures. The elevated position offers good viewing perspectives of the surrounding landscape and the nearby Berwartstein Castle across the valley.

An underground tunnel once connected this fortification to Berwartstein Castle, located 370 meters north across a side valley, though it has since collapsed. The tunnel's existence reveals the original strategic link between the two military structures.

GPS coordinates: 49.10498,7.86279

Latest update: December 8, 2025 21:07