Burg Hammerstein, Medieval castle ruins in Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany.
Burg Hammerstein is a medieval castle ruin perched on a hill about 195 meters above the river with views across the Rhine Valley. The stone remains still clearly show the layout of a major fortress from earlier centuries.
The castle was founded in the 10th century by the Conradines and soon became an important imperial fortress of the Holy Roman Empire. By the 11th century it played a central role in regional power struggles and conflicts.
The castle was a center of power and conflict in the Rhineland for centuries. Local stories and legends surround the disputes that took place here and shaped the region.
You can reach the ruins via hiking paths connected to the Rheinsteig trail with good views along the way. The walk takes some effort but rewards you with sweeping views across the valley once you arrive.
Emperor Henry IV stored the imperial regalia here in 1071, a fact that shows how much trust the rulers placed in this fortress. Such valuable objects were brought here because of the castle's reputation for safety and strong defense.
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