See Falkenstein Castle by moonlight

The Winnweiler Tourist Office will offer a guided moonlight tour of Falkenstein Castle in English July 12.

The view of the Falkenstein Castle ruins is already spectacular 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 Philip’s beautiful daughter Beatrix 1269 in the town, which 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 not lost their idyllic appearance. It is especially nice during dusk, when the hills in the background grow darker and the rising full moon puts the narrow valley, the nature reserve “Schelmenkopf” and the castle walls in an eerie, blue light. This is when 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 the moonlight will create a fairytale scenery.

The guided tour in English is geared toward the American community members living in the area. The tour will start at 8 p.m. and take about two hours. Sturdy shoes and flashlights or lanterns are recommended. The meeting point is in the arena in front of the open-air stage, close to the Burgstubb pub.

Since tours fill up quickly, it is recommended to make early reservations with the Tourismusbüro (tourist information) of Winnweiler. Registration fee is €1.50 for adults and €1 for children. It is free for children under the age of 14. Nearby restaurants will be open to accommodate visitors.

For reservations and more information, call 06302-602-61 or email info@winnweiler-vg.de.

Falkenstein is in the Donnersberg area, north of Winnweiler.