Hohenecken Castle Ruins in Kaiserslautern, Germany

The castle ruins in Hohenecken also known as Burg Hohenecken were so close to the hotel where we stayed in Kaiserslautern, Germany. It is perched on a hill overlooking the village of Hohenecken. It was partially destroyed during the Thirty Years’ War and later abandoned, but the castle ruins still have a medieval feel and add amazing views of the nearby forest.

After our lunch at the nearby restaurant, we started walking towards a steep cobblestone street going to the hill where there was a church atop, then proceeded to the entrance of the forest.

At the base of the hill, you’ll come across two marked trails leading to the castle: The Knight Trail (Ritterpfad) and The Princess Trail (Prinzessinnenpfad). Either way, the path will take you there.

Choosing your path going up to the castle: The Knight Trail or The Princess Trail

The Knight Trail (Ritterpfad):

This trail is rough and steep, like a knight’s adventurous journey. Along the way, we saw uneven stone steps and rocky ground, making it a tough walk. You would wonder how the horses could travel such an uphill rugged terrain. There are also signs along the path that tell stories about medieval battles, castle attacks, and the knights who guarded the fortress. It’s great for people who want some adventure and exercise! But make sure your knees are strong enough to climb a rocky adventure!

You cannot take shortcuts because the castle’s hill is surrounded by an electric wire fence. We could hear the wire zapping constantly.

The Princess Trail (Prinzessinnenpfad):

This easier path goes gently through the forest, making it good for families or anyone who likes a slow and relaxed walk. Along the way, there are fun storyboards that tell tales about castle princesses, their love stories, and their lives in the castle. Benches are placed along the trail where you can rest and enjoy nature, giving the walk a fairy-tale feel.

Going uphill, we took the more challenging trail which is the Knight Trail!

Exploring Hohonecken Castle

It felt amazing when we arrived at the castle. The place was stunning, and its beauty left us in awe. At the same time, it was a bit sad to see its condition. Parts of the castle were in ruins, some of the upper parts of the walls were broken, and the roofs were completely gone. However, most of the outer walls were still standing strong. It seemed like the castle was being restored because we noticed construction materials lying around outside.

We walked up to the courtyard and took lots of pictures. I was truly amazed because it was my first time seeing the ruins of a castle. Although the castle is small, you can imagine how it must have looked when it was first built. I was especially fascinated by the tower, it felt like I was standing in the present time but also transported back to ancient times at the same moment. It was such a unique and unforgettable experience.

From the castle, you can see the village of Hohenecken. The view is stunning and feels so refreshing, especially with the perfect autumn weather we had during our visit. The cool breeze made it even more enjoyable. We stayed there for a while to take in the beauty of the lush forest surrounding the area. It was so peaceful and quiet because only a few people were visiting that day. The calm atmosphere made the experience even more special.

On our way back, we walked along the Princess Trail. We stopped by the Princess’ garden along the way, which was lovely. Next to the garden, we saw a pile of old bricks and stones that had broken off from the castle. It looked like they were storing the damaged pieces there because they might be using them to reconstruct or restore parts of the castle. It was interesting to see how they were preserving the history of the place.

The Princess Trail is a smooth and easy road to walk on. Along the sides of the trail, there are lots of beautiful wildflowers, wild berries, mushrooms, and tall, giant trees. The whole place feels magical. As we walked, we often bumped into locals jogging, walking, or biking along the trail. It was a peaceful and lively experience at the same time.

The walk along the Princess Trail felt a bit long, but that might be because we stopped many times to look at the plants and enjoy the surroundings. We were so curious about everything around us! Despite the length, we really enjoyed the hike. It felt like a nice bit of exercise, and for that short time in the forest, I felt a real connection with nature. It was a relaxing and refreshing experience.

How to get there

Begin at the village center of Hohenecken, near the church or the bus stop. If you’re coming from Kaiserslautern, you can take a bus or drive to Hohenecken.

Trailhead

Look for signs pointing toward “Burg Hohenecken.” The trailhead is well-marked and leads you into the woods. If unsure, ask locals for directions, they are very friendly over there.

The Hike

The hike to the castle is relatively short, about roughly 20-30 minutes. The path winds through a lush forest, offering a peaceful and enjoyable walk. The trail can be steep in parts, as I stated above, so wear comfortable walking shoes and bring water, especially on warm days.

Reaching the Castle

As you approach, you’ll see the ruins of the castle atop the hill. There are no entrance fees, and you can freely explore the ruins and surrounding area.

Tips

The trail can be muddy after rain, so be cautious if the weather has been wet. Early mornings or late afternoons are great for photography, as the soft light enhances the castle’s rugged features.

Summary

Overall, we had a great experience visiting the place. We got to learn a few interesting things about the castle and its history. But most importantly, we enjoyed ourselves and took lots of pictures to remember the trip. It was a fun and memorable day!

I put together a short video of our hike to the castle ruins in Hohonecken. You can watch it below.