Alsbach Castle

Alsbach-Hähnlein, Germany, Germany

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Alsbach Castle in Alsbach-Hähnlein, Germany, originally known as Burg Bickenbach, is a medieval fortress built around 1235 by Gottfried I von Bickenbach on a hill above the village to safeguard family lands after Lorsch Abbey fell under Mainz's influence.

This triangular stronghold with a mighty restored keep, outer walls, and kennel evolved from an earlier motte on Weiler Hill, serving as a shared Ganerbeburg for multiple noble families until sacked in 1463, besieged in 1504, and ruined post-Thirty Years' War when locals quarried its stones.

Revived in the late 19th century by Hesse's Grand Duke and further restored after World War II, it now stands as a free family-friendly excursion site managed by a local heritage association, offering panoramic Bergstraße views, picnic spots, a herb garden, tower climbs, and weekend events amid peaceful grounds.