Burg Alt-Dernbach

Burg Alt-Dernbach is a medieval castle site in Seelbach consisting of earthen remains and an old fortification mound. The layout stretches approximately 83 meters (272 feet) in length and 60 meters (197 feet) in width, with a moat system that once surrounded the defensive structures.

The lords of Dernbach sold their castle rights to the Counts of Nassau in 1333, ending their rule in this region. This transaction marked a shift in local power and the territory's integration into the Nassau domain.

The name comes from the medieval lords who once ruled this territory, and the local dialect still refers to the earthen mound as Butschel. This term keeps the memory of the fortress alive in everyday speech, connecting people to their land's past.

The site is currently fenced off and closed to visitors, as it operates as a grazing area for livestock. Respect the barriers and observe the location from the outside to avoid disrupting the land's current use.

Archaeological excavations during the 1950s uncovered foundation remnants of a defensive tower that once crowned the earthen mound. The tower's base measured only 3 by 3 meters, while the supporting mound beneath it spanned roughly 22 by 16 meters.

Location: Seelbach (Herborn)

GPS coordinates: 50.69690,8.33389

Latest update: December 9, 2025 20:22