Castle Grafendahn, Rock castle in Dahn, Germany.

Grafendahn Castle is the smallest of the three castles on the five rock outcrops of the Schlossberg near Dahn, lying on the middle rock between Altdahn and Tanstein. Its upper ward preserves a shield wall of rusticated ashlars facing Tanstein, with parts still at original height, and a small palas. The lower ward on two narrow rock terraces retains chambers cut into the sandstone, cattle troughs and a well shaft.

Conrad of Mursel, a vassal of the bishops of Speyer, built Grafendahn in 1287 as a Ganerbenburg shared by several co-heirs; by 1288 five others, including the counts of Sponheim, held shares. Count John II of Sponheim bought all shares in 1339. In 1462 Prince Elector Frederick the Victorious took and slighted the castle, which was called uninhabitable around 1500.

The fortress served as a stronghold for several noble families to secure their power in the region. The remaining walls show the craftsmanship of stoneworkers who built robust structures into the sandstone.

The ruin is accessible via multiple hiking trails through the Palatinate Forest from Dahn train station. Sturdy footwear is necessary as the paths involve steep climbs and uneven terrain with roots and stones.

The fortress is often overlooked because it is smaller than the neighboring castles Altdahn and Tanstein, yet sits strategically between them. The location gave the medieval garrison excellent views of all access routes into the valley.