Gräfenstein Castle, Rock castle in Merzalben, Germany.
The castle stands on a red sandstone plateau rising 12 meters high, featuring defensive walls and towers within the Palatinate Forest nature reserve.
First mentioned in documents from 1237, the castle served as a strategic fortress for the counts of Saarbrücken after losing their previous stronghold.
The medieval structure represents architectural elements from the Hohenstaufen period, with preserved features including the central tower and residential areas.
Visitors can reach the castle through a steep path from the Schäferei parking area, requiring a ten-minute walk through the forest.
The castle contains Germany's only heptagonal central tower, combining elements of octagonal and triangular designs in its military architecture.
Location: Merzalben
Inception: 1237
GPS coordinates: 49.24090,7.75678
Latest update: May 17, 2025 10:36
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