Eberbach is a mystery castle, buried deep in the woods high above the town of the same name along the Neckar River. For hundreds of years it was nearly lost to history, its remains slowly being consumed by the elements and vegetation.
There were those who were aware of its presence, the property in the 1800s being transfered between none other than Napoleon and the Count of Palatinate, before it was finally given over to the town of Eberbach in 1905. In the meantime, local people pillaged portions of the castle still visible to supply stones for local building projects. The Mayor of the town determined to restore the site, and began with parts of the wall as well as the Forward and Middle Castles. The Forward Castle was discovered during excavations carried out in 1908-09. Further excavations in 1927-28 found the Middle Castle. The Rear Castle was not cleared of debris until the late 1950s, with some reconstruction occuring in the early 1960s.
Eberbach is essentially three castles in one, with each built in succession over time to strengthen the position. The entire site stretches over 200 meters in length and 45 metes in breadth. The Forward Castle was erected under the authority of Heinrich (Henry) II, Holy Roman Emperor during the early part of the 1000s. The first known charter for the castle was granted in 1196 to Conrad the Guardian of Eberbach. The Middle Castle was started in the early 1200s, with construction completed in the early 1300s. By then the castle had officially received its name in 1227, and had passed on to the Bishop of Worms The Rear Castle was started in the early 1300s and completed in 1240. The castle was passed down to a succession of owners. In 1330 it came under the authority of the Elector Palatinate; later it was pawned to the Lords of Hirschhorn. In 1403, Hans von Hirschhorn obtained permission to demolish Eberbach castle as being to expensive to maintain. It has remained a ruin ever since and almost vanished to history.
Left, one of the few indications you are on the true path to the castle site. Below, two views of rock walls that dot the slopes well below the castle proper. These were built with stones from the castle to protect fields from wild game.
The path to Eberbach. The trail is wide, but relatively unmarked. To make matters worse, other trails in the area are wide as well.
Entering the Middle Castle where the main keep was located. These two photos below show how overgrown some sections are.
Left, within the Forward Castle, or Vorburg. Each castle in Eberbach had its own keep. The Forward Castle's keep is center.
A view through the entrance into the keep of the Forward Castle. This entrance is possibly a modern invention, as keeps typically have entrances a significant height above the ground. The keep showed no evidence of steps or footings for joists.
This tower was the smallest of those in the three castles of Eberbach, the walls being 1.4 meters thick. The tower also measured about 6.15 meters from side to side.
