Frauenberg

Frauenberg is a castle ruin situated on a basalt hilltop with stone remains and walls that date back to medieval times. From this elevated position, you can see across the Ebsdorfergrund valley and the woodlands that surround it.

Sophie of Brabant, daughter of Saint Elisabeth, had the fortress built in 1252 to control medieval trade routes through Hesse. The site remained strategically important for regional power dynamics for centuries afterward.

The settlement beside the ruins attracted Waldensian families from southern France starting in 1687, who established a French Protestant community in the area. This group left a lasting mark on local culture and traditions that remain visible today.

The ruins are accessible by marked hiking trails, with parking available at the Hotel zur Burgruine Frauenberg at the base of the hill. Access is available year-round, though the paths can become slippery during wet weather.

The hotel restaurant is operated by descendants of the original Huguenot settlers and serves French Protestant dishes alongside regional Hessian cuisine. This culinary blend reflects the historical connection between French and local traditions that continues today.

Location: Ebsdorfergrund

Inception: 1252

GPS coordinates: 50.75630,8.78750

Latest update: December 8, 2025 21:02