Neudahn was a surprise, and an awesome one at that. We were in the area and the sun was going down. However, during summer months Germany's days are long and I believed I had enough time to explore this site. My wife, weary from previous explorations that day, rested while I made the attempt.
Left, a view of Neudahn from the road below. From here it doesn't look too impressive.
Below, the trail to the castle.
These photos were taken in 2008.
When I emerged from the darkening trail I was treated to a beautiful view of the castle, bathed in the orange glow of the setting sun.
Left, a diagram posted at the base of the site showing the layout, both of extant walls (in black) and those now gone. As can be seen, the castle has several unique turrets to protect the westward approaches, while the structural beak (#9 and 10) known as the acute angle bastion, followed the lay of the rock.
This aerial photo is from the same display board and is in line with the above diagram. This amply demonstrates that the view from below is very deceptive! Neudahn turned out to be one of the best castles I've ever explored.
1. Flanking tower
2. Original outer gate
3. Twin towers
4. Stairwell
5. Inner gate construction
6. Building in the lower castle
7. Ruins of residence in upper castle
8. Two spiral staircased in upper castle
9. Acute angle bastion
10. Oval bastion
11. Second flanking tower
Right, a view of the two towers. Extensive reconstruction has been done, but the basic structure was already there.
A view of the oval bastion and acute angle bastion from without.
These views below show the upper castle. The tower to the left is actually a spiral stairway.
Right, a view of the upper castle that shows how the fortification was built into the rock. Normally vegetation would be cleared away as it would gradually break down the rock and undermine the structure.
