Wachtenburg Castle, dating back to the 12th century, is the town's landmark which can be seen from afar and is also known as the 'balcony of the Palatinate' thanks to its beautiful view. Along with the Burgschänke, it is one of the most popular getaway destinations in the region.
Wachtenburg Castle is home to the ruins of a spur castle on the spur of a hill rising 232 m above sea level. The castle on what is known as Schloßberg directly above Wachenheim an der Weinstraße was probably built in the 12th century under Konrad von Hohenstaufen, a half-brother of the famous Emperor Barbarossa. The castle was destroyed by French troops during the War of the Palatinate Succession in 1689.
Wachtenburg Castle is located on the premium hiking trail Pfälzer Weinsteig. From the castle's lookout tower, there is a phenomenal view of the Rhine Valley that reaches as far as the Black Forest, which is why Wachtenburg Castle is also known as the 'balcony of the Palatinate'. The history of the castle is displayed in the small castle museum.
The attached Burgschänke offers typical Palatinate specialities.
References:Rosenborg Palace was built in the period 1606-34 as Christian IV’s summerhouse just outside the ramparts of Copenhagen. Christian IV was very fond of the palace and often stayed at the castle when he resided in Copenhagen, and it was here that he died in 1648. After his death, the palace passed to his son King Frederik III, who together with his queen, Sophie Amalie, carried out several types of modernisation.
The last king who used the place as a residence was Frederik IV, and around 1720, Rosenborg was abandoned in favor of Frederiksborg Palace.Through the 1700s, considerable art treasures were collected at Rosenborg Castle, among other things items from the estates of deceased royalty and from Christiansborg after the fire there in 1794.
Soon the idea of a museum arose, and that was realised in 1833, which is The Royal Danish Collection’s official year of establishment.