Heidenlöcher, Castle ruin on Kirchberg, Deidesheim, Germany.
Heidenlöcher is a castle ruin on Kirchberg near Deidesheim containing remains of stone walls and foundations scattered across a substantial forest area. The site is enclosed by a preserved circular wall and reveals traces of numerous residential buildings, plus one larger central structure among them.
Archaeological excavations in 1907 revealed that the fortress dates from the Late Carolingian period, overturning earlier theories about Celtic origins. This finding fundamentally changed understanding of when the settlement was actually built and established.
The name Heidenlöcher refers to the hollow depressions visible in the forest floor, created by collapsed buildings that still mark the landscape today. Walking through the site, visitors can observe how these natural indentations have shaped the terrain and tell the story of the settlement's slow disappearance.
The site connects to multiple hiking routes through the Palatinate Forest and offers various trail options within the Biosphere Reserve. Visitors should wear sturdy footwear since the terrain is uneven with tree roots and stones throughout the area.
Among the many small residential buildings, there stands one unusually large structure covering about 80 square meters that clearly stands apart from the others. Experts believe this building may have served as a communal gathering place for the entire settlement.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
