Burg Hohenfels, Medieval castle in Dautphetal, Germany

Burg Hohenfels is a ruined double castle on the summits of the Hohenfels and Kleiner Hohenfels, about 400 m above sea level between Allendorf and Buchenau in the municipality of Dautphetal. The western castle, roughly 560 m², is considered the older part; the eastern one covers about 390 m². Only a few wall remains and parts of the cellar vaults are visible.

The fortress originated in the Middle Ages as a residence for local noble families and served as a strategic outpost in the Hessian region. Over centuries it was abandoned and deteriorated into the ruin visible today, documenting the feudal power structures of medieval times.

The name Hohenfels comes from the Hohenfels and Kleiner Hohenfels peaks on which the double castle stands. The family of the lords of Hohenfels is first documented in 1174, when Ludwig von Hohenfels appeared as a witness for Landgrave Heinrich Raspe. Since 1997 the Burgverein Hohenfels, with the University of Marburg, has researched and maintained the ruins.

The site is accessible via marked hiking trails from Dautphetal with parking near the trailheads. Wear sturdy footwear as the terrain is hilly and access to certain ruin sections may be limited due to safety conditions.

The double castle was built in phases: the western part covers about 560 m² and is considered the older section, while the eastern part measures about 390 m². The exact construction date is unknown; the family is first documented in 1174, when Ludwig von Hohenfels appeared as a witness for Landgrave Heinrich Raspe.