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The view of the Falkenstein castle ruins is a spectacular sight on approach via the windy roads up the hill. The legendary ruins sit atop this steep hill and overlook the wild and scenic valley of Falkenstein.
Philipp I of Bolanden founded his own royal line here in 1233. King Richard of Cornwall married Philipp’s beautiful daughter Beatrix in 1269 in the town that later became Kaiserslautern. Since then, the impressive castle has been changed tremendously by the hands of time.
In 1647 it was blown up by the French army. Despite this, the ruins that sit on a former volcanic vent have all but lost their idyllic appearance. It is especially during dusk, when the hills in the background grow darker and the light more intense, and later when the rising full moon washes the narrow valley, the nature reserve “Schelmenkopf” and the castle walls in an eerie blue light, that the ruins look the most beautiful.
During a special guided tour in English, with moonlight guaranteed, you can enjoy this unique atmosphere. Colors and contrasts will become vivid at dusk and in the moonlight and create a fairytale scenery. Bonfires and lanterns add up to the effect. Even if you think you belong to the faint of heart: the “Ghost of Falkenstein Castle” will actually help ease your chill.
The guided tour in English is scheduled for July 14th and is geared toward our American community members living in the area. The tour will start at 8:30 p.m. and take about two hours. It is recommended bringing sturdy shoes and flashlights or lanterns. The meeting point is in the arena in front of the open air stage, close to the “Burgstubb” pub. Since tours fill up quickly, we advise to make early reservations with the Tourismusbüro (tourist information) of Winnweiler. Admission is €1.50 for adults and €1 for children. It is free for children under the age of 14. Close-by restaurants will be open to accommodate you. Moonlight Tours in German are offered on July 15 and 16, and Aug. 12 and 13.
For reservations, information and other programs, contact:
Verbandsgemeinde Winnweiler
Tourismusbüro
Jakobstr. 29, 67722 Winnweiler
Phone: 06302-602-61 oder -0
Fax: 06302-602-20
info@winnweiler-vg.de
(Courtesy story)
