Burg Steinebach, castle

Burg Steinebach is the ruin of a lowland castle in the streambed of the Wied, close to the village of Steinebach an der Wied. Its most striking fragment is a stone archway, probably from the 14th century, which served as the entrance gate. Foundations of other buildings remain.

Burg Steinebach was probably built in the 12th century as the seat of the local noble family of Steinebach, though this founding date is not documented. The small castle later belonged to the knights of Steinebach, who pledged it to the Counts of Sayn and finally sold it. The sources record no historically significant role for the site.

The name Steinebach is widespread in the Westerwaldkreis, and many residents of the village of Steinebach an der Wied bear it as a surname. The castle itself was held by the local knights of Steinebach, who pledged and then sold it to the Counts of Sayn. The ruins stand in the streambed of the Wied, next to the village.

The ruins lie in the streambed of the Wied, close to the village of Steinebach an der Wied; Hachenburg is about five kilometres north and Herschbach six kilometres southwest. The site is open at all times and free of charge, with no visitor facilities or guided tours. Approach on foot from the village and expect wet ground in the stream.

The castle's name lives on as a surname: many residents of Steinebach bear it, and it is widespread across the Westerwaldkreis. The ruins lie in the streambed of the Wied, which carries water all year, so the site is reached by walking the brook rather than by a moat.