Why is it called Drachenfels Castle?

The name may derive from a dragon carved into the sandstone wall of the former great hall, though it is unclear whether the carving inspired the name or followed it.

Why is Drachenfels Castle a ruin?

It was destroyed in 1523 by the combined forces of three imperial princes after the defeat of the knight Franz von Sickingen, and rebuilding was subsequently forbidden.

Is Drachenfels Castle easy to reach?

A road leads to the Drachenfelshütte, after which visitors must walk about 200 metres along a rocky path to reach the ruin.

What remains to be seen at the site?

Visitors can see the remains of the keep known as the Backenzahn, a fortified gate, remnants of towers, and a lower ward uncovered through archaeological excavation.

Drachenfels Castle

Busenberg

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Tickets and prices

Adult: Free

Free for Free entry for everyone

Prices and tickets on the château’s website

Where: Busenberg

Hours and prices not verified at the source yet.Check on the official website

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Open within 20 km

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This week in the agenda

Burg Drachenfels stands in Busenberg (Landkreis Südwestpfalz), in Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany. The building is a listed Baudenkmal. Admission is free. Its opening hours and prices have not been verified at the source yet.

Drachenfels Castle stands in ruins on a sandstone outcrop in the Palatinate Forest, close to the village of Busenberg. The broken stump of its keep, nicknamed the "Backenzahn" (molar tooth) by locals, makes it one of the most recognisable ruined castles in Rhineland-Palatinate. Visitors reach it on foot from a forest hut after a short drive from the village, then climb stairways partly cut into the rock that once led to the upper ward. Excavations carried out since 1990 have uncovered parts of the lower ward, its towers and gate structures.

Written from Drachenfels Castle (Wasgau)

What to know

The final stretch of about 200 metres must be walked from the Drachenfelshütte, where the road ends.
The ground is rocky with stairs cut into the stone, so care is needed in wet weather.
The ruin is listed as a Kulturdenkmal in Rhineland-Palatinate.
Several other castles of the Wasgau area, including Berwartstein and the Dahn castle group, lie only a few kilometres away.

Practical information

Prices

Adult: Free

Free for Free entry for everyone

Visit duration: Not verified
Wheelchair access: Not verified
Dogs: Not verified
Parking: Parking at the Drachenfelshütte

Where this château is

Busenberg · Landkreis Südwestpfalz · Rheinland-Pfalz

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This châteauChâteaux within 40 km

Address

76891 Busenberg

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

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Heritage status: Kulturdenkmal in Rheinland-Pfalz

In pictures

Frequently asked

Drachenfels Castle: how much is admission?: Admission is free. Free for: free entry for everyone.
Why is it called Drachenfels Castle?: The name may derive from a dragon carved into the sandstone wall of the former great hall, though it is unclear whether the carving inspired the name or followed it.
Why is Drachenfels Castle a ruin?: It was destroyed in 1523 by the combined forces of three imperial princes after the defeat of the knight Franz von Sickingen, and rebuilding was subsequently forbidden.
Is Drachenfels Castle easy to reach?: A road leads to the Drachenfelshütte, after which visitors must walk about 200 metres along a rocky path to reach the ruin.
What remains to be seen at the site?: Visitors can see the remains of the keep known as the Backenzahn, a fortified gate, remnants of towers, and a lower ward uncovered through archaeological excavation.