Kleinkastell Altes Jagdhaus

Kleinkastell Altes Jagdhaus is a Roman fort in Schmitten im Taunus featuring a trapezoidal ground plan spanning roughly 650 square meters. The walls are constructed from uncut stones laid without mortar, and the fort's layout remains visible in the field today.

The fort was established around 150 CE as a Roman military outpost along the frontier until roughly 259/260 CE. It functioned as part of a defensive line that monitored movements and protected the empire's territory in this region.

The site reveals how soldiers stationed here monitored the frontier and used local materials for daily survival. Their presence left traces in the stone structures and scattered artifacts that visitors can observe today.

The site sits within the Taunus forest at 678 meters elevation and connects to several hiking trails that cross the wooded landscape. Wear sturdy footwear and allow time to explore the stone remains and trace the fort's layout on foot.

Roughly 1000 years after the fort fell, hunters built a lodge measuring 7 by 10.7 meters within the ancient Roman walls during the 16th century. This reuse of the old site gave the location its present name.

Location: Schmitten im Taunus

Part of: Upper German-Raetian Limes

GPS coordinates: 50.24457,8.49293

Latest update: December 9, 2025 12:27