Burg Reichenberg, Medieval castle in Reichenberg, Germany.

Burg Reichenberg is a medieval hilltop castle above the Hasenbachtal valley in Rhineland-Palatinate. Its oldest part is a shield wall with two 40-metre flanking towers, begun in 1319; the eastern forecourt and foundations of the western main castle followed. From 1352 Wilhelm II built a three-storey, semi-circular residential building on the forecourt, protected by casemates facing east and south, the oldest in Germany. Its columns and architectural details recall Syrian crusader castles.

Count Wilhelm I of Katzenelnbogen began building the castle in 1319; at his death in 1331 only the shield wall with two 40-metre flanking towers, the eastern outer bailey and the foundations of the western main castle stood. In 1352 his heirs Eberhard and Wilhelm II divided the site, and Wilhelm II built a new residence on the outer bailey by 1358. In 1479 it passed by inheritance to Hesse.

The castle displays late medieval building techniques through its preserved hall with a ceiling supported by cubic capitals. These architectural details reveal much about the craftsmanship traditions and wealth of the lords who lived here.

The castle remains under private ownership, but you can observe its exterior architecture and defensive elements from designated viewing points in Reichenberg. It is worth exploring the surroundings to find the best perspective on the fortification.

The two 40-metre flanking towers of the shield wall are gone: one was blown up in 1814 because it threatened to collapse, and the second fell in 1971. The hall building also partly collapsed, so its intermediate floors are missing today.