Runkel Castle, Medieval castle in Runkel, Germany
Runkel Castle is a fortress that rises above the Lahn Valley between the Taunus and Westerwald mountains, built with strong stone walls and multiple towers. The structure sits on a rocky hillside and shows the typical layout of a defensive stronghold with fortified areas for different purposes.
The castle was first mentioned in 1159 under Emperor Friedrich Barbarossa and served as a strategic control point for crossing the Lahn River. Over the centuries it changed hands several times and was rebuilt multiple times, shaping its current appearance.
The castle houses a museum with medieval artifacts and documents that tell the story of the Lahn Valley region. Visitors can see old weapons, manuscripts, and everyday objects from centuries past.
The site is open from Good Friday through October, with guided tours available by request and group visits best planned in advance. The climb to the castle follows a footpath with some steps, so comfortable shoes are recommended.
The castle faces Castle Schadeck across the Lahn River on the opposite bank, a rare arrangement of two fortresses positioned directly opposite each other. This dual layout was a fascinating feature of how local power was balanced in medieval times.
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