Château du Wasigenstein, Rock castle in Niedersteinbach, France.
Château du Wasigenstein consists of two separate castle ruins sitting on rocky ridges and separated by a natural fissure that was enlarged during medieval times. Both structures use the rock itself as part of their design, forming a complex fortified site spread across the higher elevations.
Grand-Wasigenstein was built starting in the 1260s, with Petit-Wasigenstein constructed roughly 40 years later to complement the first fortress. Both remained occupied and functional until the Thirty Years' War, when they were destroyed along with many other settlements in the region.
The site connects to a medieval legend from the 10th century that circulated across the region and influenced how people understood these lands. This link to old stories gives the ruins a place in the local memory beyond their stone and fortifications.
The path starts from the Klingelfels parking area and follows the marked trail through the forest, taking roughly 15 minutes to reach the ruins along the GR 53 route. The ground becomes steeper and more rocky as you approach the site, so sturdy shoes and a steady pace are needed for the final stretch.
Rooms carved directly into the rock include stone benches built beside windows and a water storage system that still survives in the ruins today. These features show how the inhabitants made use of the natural rock to meet their everyday practical needs.
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