Burg Zullenstein, Medieval castle ruins in Nordheim, Germany

Burg Zullenstein is a medieval castle near Biblis whose stone foundations sit at approximately 93 meters elevation. The preserved masonry reveals the layout of the former fortified complex and its defensive design.

A late Roman burgus with a 42-metre landing stage stood here in the 4th century, probably under Valentinian I. In 836 Louis the German gave the settlement of Zullestein to Count Werner, who passed it to Lorsch Abbey in 846. Otto III granted market rights in 995, and from 1068 the Bishops of Worms built a new castle with a round bergfried after 1232. Spanish troops burned it in 1631; foundations were rediscovered during oil drilling in 1957.

The castle ruins bear the name Zullenstein, rooted in their strategic positioning within the medieval region. Visitors can observe how such fortifications were integrated into the surrounding landscape of that era.

The ruins are accessible by marked hiking trails from the surrounding area, with informational panels providing context on site. Sturdy footwear is recommended as the terrain is uneven and original stone walls are partially exposed.

The site was forgotten for centuries and only rediscovered in 1957 during oil drilling, when the surviving foundations came to light. The Roman burgus here measured 21.3 by 15 metres and stood beside a 42-metre landing stage on the redirected Weschnitz.