Frankenstein was built along the major trade routes between the Rhein and Bad Durkheim and Worms. The castle was built in the mid-1200s by the Lords of Leiningen. The main structure was built within the out walls that were previously extant and was named for the Frankenstein family who lived in the castle. By the end of the 1300s the castle was co-owned by the Leiningen, Inseltheim, and Nassau-Saarburg families. Sometime between 1470 and the 1520s the castle was destroyed, though it is uncertain how or why. The structure continued to crumble until some restoration work was done in the 1830s and 1930s. The main structure still extant date back to the 1300s.
Frankenstein was another one of those castles not on our original itinerary. However, once we identified it and decided to go we were very pleased with what we found. The remains of the walls and windows are remarkable and well worth seeing.
To reach the castle you must park below and walk a trail up the hillside. Parking can be a bit tricky in this area but with some patience you can find a spot.
Below, a diagram of the castle placed on the wall. The diagram shows primarily what remains, rather than how big the castle once was as there was once another section nearby that is no longer extant.
Right, there is not much left of the large keep. The steps going to the top only bring you part way up the height. Moreover, the interior of the remains of the keep is now filled in.
When you look at the structure it is hard to believe it dates back to the 1300s. The lonely entrance way above, along with the steps, have received very little restoration work.
