Burg Hohenstein, Medieval castle in Taunus, Germany
Burg Hohenstein is a stone fortress positioned on a hilltop at 917 meters (3,010 feet) elevation in the Taunus region and features thick defensive walls with a central tower. The structure commands broad views across the Aartal valley below.
The castle's construction began in 1190 under the Archbishop of Mainz as an administrative center and later passed to the Counts of Katzenelnbogen. In the early 1600s, it underwent transformation into a residential palace.
The grounds serve as an open-air stage during summer months, hosting theatrical performances that draw visitors from the surrounding region. This use connects the castle to the local arts and entertainment scene.
The site opens daily from Easter through September 30 between 10:00 and 18:00, with guided tours offered on the first Sunday of each month. Allow extra time for the climb to the hilltop, especially during wet or rainy conditions.
The fortress survived the Thirty Years' War with minimal damage, making it a rare example of a structure that weathered that turbulent period largely intact. This resilience is visible today in the building's relatively unharmed construction.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
