Hirschhorn Castle

Hirschhorn Castle is a fortified stronghold overlooking the Neckar River in Hesse, featuring thick walls, several towers, a main keep, and reinforced gates positioned for defense. The buildings are arranged on different levels following the hilltop's natural shape.

Construction started around 1250 on land granted as a fief by Lorsch Abbey under the Archbishop of Mainz's authority. Over centuries, the building was modified and expanded, with Gothic elements eventually replacing earlier Romanesque structures.

The chapel inside holds medieval wall paintings showing scenes from the Passion of Christ, reflecting the religious beliefs and artistic skills of that time. These religious images remain visible today and show visitors how important faith was to the people who lived here.

The castle grounds are open for visitors to explore, though some areas may be affected by ongoing restoration work. Wear sturdy shoes because the terrain is uneven and paths can be steep, especially if you plan to climb the towers.

The castle has a 16 meter (52 ft) deep frontal ditch and includes a slender Gothic tower called the Witch Tower that replaced the original Romanesque keep. This unusual tower with its distinctive shape is one of the most recognizable features of the castle's outline.