Stauf Castle, Medieval castle ruins in Eisenberg, Germany.
Stauf Castle is a ruin located in Stauf on a hilltop at about 327 meters elevation overlooking the forested landscape of the Palatinate region. The site consists of three successive defensive sections whose remains are still visible on the grounds today.
The first documented mention of this fortress dates to 1012 when it served as a strategic stronghold under Duke Conrad I of Carinthia. This early date makes it one of the older structures in the Palatinate and highlights its role as an early medieval military installation.
The castle displays the typical layout of medieval defensive structures with multiple tiered sections that reflect principles of layered protection. This arrangement follows patterns common in the region during the Middle Ages and shows how defense strategies were built into the architecture.
From Stauf a woodland path leads directly up to the castle ruins and can be easily walked. The best time to visit is during dry weather since the path is made of earth and stones and can become slippery after rain.
The Historische Verein Rosenthal managed the site from 1871 to 2000, contributing to its preservation for more than a century before the town of Eisenberg took ownership. This long period of dedicated care helped ensure the structure remained intact for visitors today.
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