Trifels is a fabulous castle worth the visit. Nearby are the remains of two other structures, Scharffenburg and Anebos, though the latter has virtually vanished from history.
To the right, a view of Trifels standing tall during one of my treks in 1979.
Below right, Trifels in 2005.
Trifels is very early in origin, having been started prior to 1000. Its keep became a symbol of Imperial German power, being used both as a prison and a refuge, the latter for such Holy Roman Emperors as Henry IV and V. Its most celebrated prisoner was Richard the Lion Hearted of England. Richard was captured by the soldiers of Leopold of Austria as he made his way back to England from fighting Salah al-Din during the Third Crusade. Leopold "sold" Richard to Henry VI, who then demanded 150,000 marks in ransom from the English. The English paid the ransom, and the collection of this hefty fee helped to originate the legends of Robin Hood. In 1602, the castle was badly damaged by lightning strikes, a particular bane of many hilltop fortresses. The castle survived the Thirty Years War, being used as a refuge for some of the populace. After the war, the castle was abandoned as being an unnecessary expense and began to decay from neglect, especially after the French blew it up in the late 1600s.
Three fascinating views of Trifels. Above, as seen from Burg Ramburg, shrouded in mist.
To the left and below, as seen from Burg Lindelbrunn. All three photos were taken in 2008. These two photos have had a slight color alteration to help the details stand out better.
A careful look at the main keep of the castle indicates it has been extensively rebuilt. During the restoration work the main keep was gradually extended to its height today. Around 1980, the keep was a storey lower, this being barely visible in the photo at right, marked off by the different shades of color. at the top from the lower part.
In the above photo, the camera catches what appears to be an optical illusion, that is the tower having a wider portion near the top than the bottom. Without actually taking a plumb line to the wall to confirm this, visual evidence from some other photos suggest that while the photo exaggerates this, the overhang does actually exist.
Right, a view of Trifels from Scharffenburg.
The photo at the left shows clearly how Trifels rests atop a sandstone tablerock.
Below left, a fabulous view of the valleys below in virtually every direction!
