Meistersel Castle, Annweiler, Germany

Meistersel Castle is a ruined castle near Ramberg on the outskirts of the Palatinate Forest. It is located on a 492-metre-high hilltop that towers above the Modenbach valley near the Three Beeches pass (Drei Buchen) on the road from Ramberg to Edenkoben.

Meistersel Castle is one of the oldest castles in the Palatinate. It was built in the 11th century and mentioned first time in 1100 and it was probably built to protect Trifels imperial castle. In the 12th century, the Meistersel was given as a fief to knightly servants. The core of today's complex was built around 1300 after fundamental renovation work. During the Peasants' War in 1525 the castle was looted by rebels and subsequently abandoned.

Its name is derived from the words Meister ('master') and Saal ('hall') and hence the term Meister des Saales or master of the hall/chamberlain. It is likely that it was a seat for ministeriales of the imperial castle of Trifels. Its other name, Modeneck, comes from the name of the nearby stream.

User Reviews

Ilaya Allen (2 years ago)
Very nice view from above. The ascent is a bit steep but doable. The steps in the ruins are a bit uneven, but it is also an old ruin, thanks to the railings everywhere, the steps are easy to climb. For children there are many more stairs and corridors to explore. During the weekday early evenings it is very quiet here. At the bottom before the ascent there is an information sign about the ruins.

Stefan Heinzmann (2 years ago)
A real gem on the "Three Castles Trail"! Very well preserved and accessible ruins with a wonderful view. The climb is worth it.

Rene Zimmermann (2 years ago)
The castle ruins of Meistersel have been extensively renovated and secured. The walls and paths offer something for the eye and the ascent through the rock has something of its own. The view from the top isn't as spectacular as on the neighboring Neu Scharfeneck or Orensfels, but it's definitely worth a detour.

Golf Pro (3 years ago)
Worth a visit

N S (5 years ago)
Not much left but nice to visit for a view and if you have some guest who loves archaeology or history.

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Photo from Flickr, copyright Zvonimir Hrvoj

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