Wasigenstein Castle Ruins

In the Wasgau, medieval castle ruins aren’t always found on mountain peaks. Their builders often found strategically located, free-standing rock formations on hillsides or in valleys to be sufficient. The fortresses seem to literally grow out of these rock structures, with the Fleckenstein ruins being an outstanding example. Some of these rock castles, however, are hidden in what is now mature forest.

This includes the Wasigenstein castle ruins, perched boldly on a rocky outcrop on a slope of the Maimont, towering over a valley. Even before the castle was built, the site was a well-known (and strategically advantageous, as it offered protection) retreat – it was mentioned in the Walthari-Lied, a 10th-century heroic epic.

Wasigenstein Castle consists of two parts, Groß– and Klein-Wasigenstein. The split into a double castle resulted on the one hand from the unique topography of the sandstone rock, which has a large natural fissure in the middle (which plays a significant role in the legend mentioned above). On the other hand, the expansion and development took place for family reasons. Often, several members of a family line lived in the same castle complex, governed by precise contractual agreements. Nevertheless (or perhaps because of this), the shield walls facing each other at a distance of 10 metres were built to be very defensive and resilient.

After visiting Wegelnburg, I spent the night in a forest car park below the so-called “Zigeunerfelsen” (Gypsy Rock), another rock with defensive fortifications. From there, it was a short walk down to the Wasigenstein ruins. The remains of the keep rise pointedly above the protective ditch on the mountain side. To the south of the rock face, there used to be the lower castle with the entrances to the higher upper castle. Parts of the ascent lead across stairs and passages carved out of the rock. In between are sections with airy ladders and stairs, which are made of iron nowadays.

The reddish Bunter sandstone forms the base of the structure; additionally, carefully crafted rusticated blocks were quarried from the rock for the masonry built above it. The first documented historical mention of the castle was around 1270, and it was inhabited by changing owners during unstable times until the 16th century.

Many of the impressive castle ruins, rocks, or even villages and inns can be explored one after another on hikes or bike tours. From the many paths and roads, beautiful circular tours can be put together on both sides of the border, connecting the Northern Vosges and the Palatinate Forest. Campsites and hotels/guesthouses, and on the French side also free motorhome pitches, are available for multi-day trips.