Burg Layen, Medieval castle in Rümmelsheim, Germany

Burg Layen is a medieval castle in Rümmelsheim in the Trollbach valley in Germany, featuring a round Romanesque keep and the remains of the original ring wall. The historic stonework stands alongside modern winery facilities that have been built into the old layout over time.

Burg Layen was first mentioned in 1169 as "castro Leiga", together with the place "Rimilisheim", and belonged to the lords of Bolanden along with estates in Waldlaubersheim, Genheim, Roth, Schweppenhausen and Eckenroth. The castle, partly held by the knights vom Stein, protected the Trollbach valley, through which the road led up to the heights. In 1680 it was repaired; today the keep still stands among the ruins.

The name Layen comes from "auf einer Laye", meaning on the stone, referring to the rocky spur of the Schlossbühl above the Trollbach valley. The ruin stands beside the pilgrimage chapel of Rümmelsheim, and the keep is the main surviving element of the castle that was repaired in 1680.

The site sits on elevated ground in the Trollbach valley and is reached by walking paths that run through the surrounding vineyards, where the terrain can be uneven. Sturdy footwear is recommended, as the approach follows the slope and the surfaces vary underfoot.

The castle cellar, estimated to be around 800 years old, still belongs to the Hofer family and is managed separately from the rest of the building. This means that a section of the medieval structure operates on its own, apart from the winery that now occupies the rest of the grounds.