Spangenberg Castle, Rock castle in Palatine Forest, Germany

Spangenberg Castle is a rock castle ruin in the Palatine Forest, set on sandstone outcrops above the Elmstein valley. The surviving walls reveal traces of former living quarters and gateway structures, all shaped around the natural rock formation.

Spangenberg Castle was probably built in the 11th century and came into the possession of the Prince-Bishopric of Speyer in 1100. In 1470, during the Weißenburg Feud, it was destroyed alongside neighbouring Erfenstein. It was made habitable again and served for nearly 100 years as the residence of the master of a stud farm established in 1505. It was destroyed again in 1618 by Mansfeld's troops and finally in 1688 by the forces of Louis XIV.

The castle is tied to a local legend known as the Legend of the Leather Bridge, featuring an evil knight named Caspar. This story is still passed down in the Palatine Forest region and belongs to the oral tradition of the area.

The ruins are reached on foot along forest trails, and the slope is steep with uneven ground, so sturdy footwear is a good idea. Allow enough time to walk around the full site, as there is more to see than appears at first glance.

The castle's name comes from the Spangenberg hill, and the site is a protected natural monument (ND-7376-205) as well as a cultural heritage monument. The sandstone rock beneath the ruins is listed for its geological value.