Is there an entrance fee for Wasigenstein castle?

No fee is set, the site can be visited freely in the forest.

How many castles are there at Wasigenstein?

Two, the Grand-Wasigenstein and the Petit-Wasigenstein, built on two neighbouring rocks separated by a cleft.

Can the site be reached on foot from the village?

Yes, a forest path links Niedersteinbach to the ruins.

What remains to be seen on site?

A keep, stairways cut into the rock, a cistern and the three levels of a former residential tower.

What is the origin of the name linked to the Walther legend?

The cleft separating the two castles is identified as the place of Prince Walther's single combat against Gunther's knights in the Waltharielied.

Château du Wasigenstein

Wasigenstein Castle

Niedersteinbach

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Where: Niedersteinbach

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Open within 20 km

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Château du Wasigenstein stands in Niedersteinbach (Bas-Rhin), in the Grand Est region of France. The building is listed as a historic monument (dating recorded in the Mérimée database: 13th century). Its opening hours and prices have not been verified at the source yet.

On the commune of Niedersteinbach, deep in the Northern Vosges massif, two sandstone rocks carry the twin ruins of Wasigenstein. The Grand-Wasigenstein, stretching 75 metres, still shows a keep, stairways cut into the rock and a cistern, while the Petit-Wasigenstein preserves the three levels of a former residential tower. A deep cleft separates the two sites, linked to the medieval legend of Walther, where the narrow gap allowed only single combat. The whole complex, first recorded at the end of the 13th century, reflects a fragmented ownership among several co-lords before its abandonment around 1500.

Written from Château du Wasigenstein

What to know

The site is visited outdoors, on uneven rocky ground that calls for sturdy footwear.
Access is on foot from Niedersteinbach, via a forest path leading up to the rocks.
Both castles are roofless ruins, and climbing the rock-cut stairways requires a reasonable level of fitness.
The monument has been a listed historic monument since 1898.
As no opening hours or fees are set, the visit is made freely according to the access conditions of the natural site.

Where this château is

Niedersteinbach · Bas-Rhin · Grand Est

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This châteauChâteaux within 40 km

Address

67510 Niedersteinbach

Directions open from wherever you are, by car or public transport.

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Heritage status: Listed historic monument (classé); Mérimée record PA00084834
Period of construction: 13th century

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Frequently asked

Is there an entrance fee for Wasigenstein castle?: No fee is set, the site can be visited freely in the forest.
How many castles are there at Wasigenstein?: Two, the Grand-Wasigenstein and the Petit-Wasigenstein, built on two neighbouring rocks separated by a cleft.
Can the site be reached on foot from the village?: Yes, a forest path links Niedersteinbach to the ruins.
What remains to be seen on site?: A keep, stairways cut into the rock, a cistern and the three levels of a former residential tower.
What is the origin of the name linked to the Walther legend?: The cleft separating the two castles is identified as the place of Prince Walther's single combat against Gunther's knights in the Waltharielied.