Burg Haneck, Medieval castle in Geroldstein, Germany

Burg Haneck is a castle ruin situated on elevated ground between Geroldstein and Oestrich-Winkel, showing remains of medieval defensive architecture. The thick stone walls and natural rock formations form the main structures visible today, creating the outline of the former fortress.

The castle was founded in 1386 and served as an important fortification controlling the Rhine Valley and trade routes in the area. Over time it lost military importance and was eventually abandoned.

The castle was built from 1386 by Philipp von Gerhartstein on Mainz territory to secure the area against the Counts of Katzenelnbogen. The von Geroldstein family died out in 1569 with Hedderich von Gerolstein, after which the castle was no longer inhabited. Since 2010, maps have corrected the long-standing confusion with nearby Burg Geroldstein.

The site is reachable via marked hiking trails through the Rheingau region, easily accessible from Oestrich-Winkel where parking is available. Visitors should wear sturdy footwear as the approach involves uneven ground and steep sections.

Burg Haneck and the lower Burg Geroldstein were long confused with each other; Schweinsberg pointed this out as early as 1884, but maps were only corrected from 2010. The two castles lie close together on the same slope above Geroldstein.