Die Ebernburg

High above the district of Bad Münster am Stein, the Ebernburg castle towers on a hill. It dominates the town and landscape from afar. You can reach the castle on foot via a stairway or by car, although you have to pass through the town.
Once at the top, the viewer is presented with the entire scenic wealth that characterizes the charm of Bad Münster am Stein-Ebernburg. One looks out over the massive Rotenfels cliff, formed from solidified magma, at the village of Ebernburg nestled around the castle hill, at the Nahewehr with the rock formation of Rheingrafenstein, and southeast all the way to the ridge where the Altenbaumburg can be seen.
The Ebernburg was already more than 200 years old when it came into the possession of the von Sickingen family, where it remained until their extinction in 1768. The most famous name from the von Sickingen family – the knight leader Franz von Sickingen, made the castle world-famous during the Reformation, granting early followers of the Reformation protection and leading – unsuccessfully – wars against spiritual and secular princes. He paid for this with his life; the castle was destroyed, rebuilt, expanded into a fortress, besieged and captured repeatedly, and finally blown up in 1698. This was a peace demand from the French to end the War of the Palatine Succession. The history of the castle took a new turn when a restaurateur took it over in the 19th century and erected new buildings. In 1914, the Protestant foundation Ebernburg acquired the estate to preserve the memory of the early days of the Reformation. At that time, there was also a small museum in the castle.
However, for the third time, the castle was destroyed – this time in 1944/45 by bombs. And once again, it was rebuilt. Today, it is a Christian hotel for family vacations and educational work. Guests are always welcome. The castle is an ideal starting point for hikes, as well-marked hiking trails connect here. An exhibition vividly explains the history of the castle.
From the medieval castle, the mighty shield wall has been preserved, to which the gate is attached, accessible via a bridge. In the courtyard, there is a 56-meter deep well. Heraldic decorations made of stone remind of the noble families that once resided here.
After visiting the castle, it is advisable to descend via a stairway to Burgstraße and visit the castle village, where there are several opportunities to enjoy a good glass of wine from the local winemaker in the cozy atmosphere of an inn or a manor.