Built on Schlossberg mountain, which measures 295 metres and towering above Heppenheim’s picturesque old town, Starkenburg Castle, constructed in 1065, is one of the oldest castles to be found in the western Odenwald region. At first, it used to be a stronghold, which was named “Burcheldon” (castle mountain). It resembled a Roman fort, which consisted of simple wooden constructions, towers, earthworks and bulwarks.

King Frederick entrusted the Archbishop of Mainz with Lorsch Abbey and Starkenburg Castle in 1232. Under the rule of the Electoral Mainz, the castle was reconstructed into a late medieval fort castle. 1675 – 1689, Archbishop-Elector of Mainz Anselm of Ingelheim pushed the castle’s reconstruction. It was designed to be a fortress complex and a place of agricultural production, storage and administration. It was designed imitating the French model.

1765, the Mainz occupying troops were withdrawn and the castle was released to be demolished and parts of the castle fell victim to demolition. The keep of the romantic castle ruin had to be torn down in 1924 due to its ruinous state. It was rebuilt in a different design in the entrance area. The residential building was also reconstructed, however, in a modern design.
Later, a further new building was constructed up there: the Jugendherberge – youth hostel. With 121 beds and 5 seminar rooms, it offers best conditions for a comfortable stay in romantic surroundings.

The Starkenburg-Sternwarte, Starkenburg Observatory an amateur observatory on the Schlossberg mountain near the Starkenburg Castle, has made a name for itself nationally in minor planet research. It is run by a non-profit organisation with approximately 160 members. Groups and school classes may book group tours and learn a lot about astronomy.
 
Further information: http://www.starkenburg-sternwarte.de/
 
 

Opening hours of the restaurant “Burgschänke”:
The Burschänke, located in the lower court with its great panorama terrace is waiting for you!
Nov – Mar: Sat, Sun from midday on
Apr – Oct: Wed – Fri from 2:00 pm on, Sat, Sun, holidays from midday on
December, January and February: closed
 
Public tours of Starkenburg Castle
May – Sept: 1st Sunday of every month, at 2:00 pm, no reservations required,
additional tours at Easter; tours for groups upon request
 
Please download our brochure Starkenburg castle here: Brochure Starkenburg castle