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.
Location: Runkel
Inception: 11 century
Architectural style: Renaissance
Address: Schloßplatz
Website: http://burg-runkel.de
GPS coordinates: 50.40571,8.15645
Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:40
Lahn Bridge Runkel
95 m
Evangelische Kirche Runkel
45 m
Burgstraße 27
138 m
Linsenberg 7
77 m
Spritzenhaus/Ehem. Zehntscheune
103 m
Burgstraße 5
150 m
Burgstraße 15
150 m
Burgstraße 37
78 m
Linsenberg 3
117 m
Burgstraße 30
52 m
Kriegerdenkmal 1870/71
106 m
Burgstraße 17
148 m
Linsenberg 18
79 m
Burgstraße 25
126 m
Linsenberg 8
74 m
Burgstraße 4
121 m
Alte Schule
60 m
Lahngasse 6
123 m
Linsenberg 10
79 m
Laufbrunnen
103 m
Linsenberg 26
108 m
Obertorstraße 2
119 m
Brunnenpumpe
95 m
Burgstraße 35, 37, 39
85 m
Burgstraße 57
49 m
Ehem. Kanzlei und Rathaus
92 m
Alte Schmiede
69 m
Burgstraße 31
102 mVisited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
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