The Four Castle hike is an area on the border of France and Germany that have trails between four castles. It’s a wonderful hike and only 1 hour and 15 minutes from Kaiserslautern! It’s an easy hike with lots of exploring and adventuring to fit anyone’s day. The area is beautiful and here’s what to expect on your next trip!
Parking
There are two main parking areas. One is located on the German border and allows access to a broader hiking area and to the Gimblehof area. The other is in France and is located next to the Gimblehof cafe. Be ready for full lots during busy seasons and be ready to get there early. I got there around 10 am and there was plenty of parking on a fall day but it filled quickly after.
Castle Loewenstein
The first spot I arrived at was Loewenstein. This is barely a castle and is totally in ruins. Expect some very steep steps to take you to the top of two different peaks. The two peaks provide a stunning view of the surrounding area! You can also see several other castles in the area, several cities, and lots of forest all around!
Castle Hohenbourg
The second castle along the trail is Hohenbourg. This castle is only a few hundred meters away from Loewenstein. It’s more intact than the previous castle but still in major ruins. It does have an intact center spire which can be ascended via stairs. There is also a unique geo-marker showing all the major cities, castles, and hills and the direction you can see these places from the top of Hohenbourg.
Burgruine Wegelnburg
Wegelnburg is a German castle and the third I visited on my hike. It has recently been renovated and has wonderful views to the north and the German areas to the north. There is a cool mix of old parts and other newly renovated areas that strive to match the old look of the castle.
Fleckenstein Castle
Fleckenstein Castle is the centerpiece and the fourth castle I visited during my hike. It is also the most managed and requires a fee to enter the castle walls. The cafe and surrounding forest are open but in order to see the tall walls of this cool castle it will cost you €5. There is a turnstile you will have to use to enter with your ticket but if you need to use the gate for dogs, strollers or other large items be sure to ask for the code at the front desk.
The castle is built on a very tall and narrow rock outcropping. The castle is several layers and includes both walls on the very bottom forest floor all the way to the very highest cliff. It really is a cool engineering marvel how they built walls on such a precarious part of the hill!
In Conclusion
The Four Castle Region is truly a wonderful day trip and hiking adventure. The history on every hill is beyond awesome! It’s crazy to think how many castles there were in one area at one time. The hiking trails are all easy and the castles are all accessible if you can handle the stairs.
Fleckenstein is obviously the centerpiece of all the castles. There is a basic cafe if you need a snack and the entry fee wasn’t a big impediment to visiting. It does have additional multimedia, models, and signs explaining the history so the cost didn’t seem like it wasn’t worthwhile. Gimblehof cafe is also available if you want more food options.
The Four Castle Region is only about 1 hour and 15 minutes from Kaiserslautern. It’s an easy drive to get to either parking area and there were lots of different people all hiking. It is a worthwhile day trip and an easy adventure if you want to get out alone or with the family. Enjoy!
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