LandmarksOrHistoricalBuildings

Dilsberg mountain fortress

Burghofweg 3a, 69151 Neckargemünd(297 m über NN)

The Dilsberg mountain fortress in the Neckar valley impresses with its monumentality. The view from the castle tower and a visit to the well tunnel are well worthwhile.

The Dilsberg mountain fortress is an imposing high medieval mountain fortress east of Heidelberg, from which the entire Dilsberg district of the town of Neckargemünd developed. Built by the Counts of Lauffen around 1150 and owned by the Counts Palatine of the Rhine since 1310, today‘s castle ruins fulfilled an important military and administrative function for a long time. The ensemble of castle ruins and medieval settlement, the main features of which have been preserved to this day, is what makes the site so important.

During the Thirty Years‘ War, the Dilsberg mountain fortress was one of the most hotly contested fortifications. It was occupied in 1622 after a long siege. The Swedes recaptured the fortress in 1633. Despite the siege and battle, the fortress itself was not militarily conquered or destroyed. In 1803, at the end of the Electoral Palatinate, Dilsberg Castle and the surrounding village fell to the state of Baden and served as a state prison. It was released for demolition in 1822.

At the beginning of the 20th century, Dilsberg Castle gradually developed into a tourist destination. The castle ruins were extensively renovated and reconstructed for this purpose. The underground well tunnel, which is around 80 meters long, is one of the most interesting features of the fortress, along with the castle ruins and observation tower.

Guided tours:
Public guided tours take place from May to September on all Sundays and public holidays at 3 pm. The meeting point is in the castle courtyard, prior registration is not required.