Vetzberg Castle, Medieval castle in Vetzberg, Germany

Vetzberg Castle is a medieval ruin on an elevated location in Biebertal, with remaining walls and towers showing the defensive architecture of its time. The fragments reveal the building techniques and structural designs used during the Middle Ages.

The upper castle with its bergfried was probably built in the first half of the 12th century and was first documented in 1150. In 1226 it was recorded as Vogtisberg, a second castle of the counts of Gleiberg held by their vogts. From the mid-13th century the lower castle was added. By inheritance up to 34 joint owners (Ganerben) shared the property; some used it as a base for robber-knight raids, and the castle was besieged and destroyed several times, lastly in 1463 by the city captain of Frankfurt. The last four joint owners sold their rights to the princes of Nassau-Weilburg in 1765.

The name Vetzberg derives from Vogtisberg, recorded in 1226, meaning a castle held by the advocates (Vögte) of the Counts of Gleiberg. By inheritance the property was divided among up to 34 joint owners (Ganerben), some of whom used it as a base for robber-knight raids until the Perpetual Peace of 1495 ended such practices. The last four co-owners sold their rights to Nassau-Weilburg in 1765.

Access to the site involves unpaved paths and minimal facilities on the grounds. Sturdy footwear is essential, and it is worth checking opening hours in advance since they change with the seasons.

The 22.7-metre bergfried has been open as a viewing tower since 2000, when the Vetzberg-Verein installed a steel staircase between the palas and the tower leading to a platform above the village. The original high entrances sat at 8.6 and 12.8 metres; a southeast balcony looks toward Gießen.