Burg Herzberg, Medieval castle in Breitenbach am Herzberg, Germany

Burg Herzberg sits atop Hirschberg hill with multiple towers, fortified walls, dungeons, and halls built using medieval techniques. Stone structures follow classic defensive principles with narrow passages and thick walls throughout the complex.

Heinrich von Romrod, marshal of Landgrave Henry I of Hesse, began building the castle between 1280 and 1290 and enfeoffed it to the landgrave in 1298. In 1372 Landgrave Hermann II besieged it with about 1,000 men, starting the Sternerkrieg. From 1480 to 1497 Hans von Dörnberg had it enlarged by Hans Jakob von Ettlingen into the fortress form visible today.

Since 1968 the castle has hosted the Burg-Herzberg-Festival, which began here before moving to a nearby site; the ruins were its first venue. The name Herzberg derives from the hill once called Herzisberg, now Hirschberg, on which the castle stands.

The site is accessible via the B62 road with entry available through guided tours covering architecture and history. Visitors should expect uneven terrain and medieval staircases, so sturdy shoes are recommended.

This is the largest hilltop castle in Hesse and sits along an important historical trade route. Its position on the Kurze Hessen connects it to medieval trading networks that shaped the region.