In the 13th century, the mighty castle was built and completed as a multi-family castle. Hohengeroldseck was the ancestral seat of the Geroldsecker family and also the administrative centre. The "old house", a palas almost 26 metres high, has been preserved; the long sides are 15 metres long on the inside. The porphyry rock and palas are around 33 metres high. The "new house" is only recognisable in the form of individual wall remains.
The water supply was a masterpiece. A 65-metre-deep well shaft was blasted into the hard rock and the well house with defences was built above it. The well house was only accessible through the uppermost courtyard and was therefore well protected from attack.
The castle was besieged three times during its existence. It was finally destroyed by the French in 1689, when the castle was completely burnt down.
The rear part of the castle with its early Gothic pointed arch windows can be climbed via a spiral staircase. From the battlements there, you have a marvellous panoramic view of the Schutter, Kinzig and Harmersbach valleys as well as the town of Lahr.
The ruins of Geroldseck Castle can be reached from the top of the Schönberg pass via the Geroldseck Castle Trail. A total of nine stations along the way with bilingual information boards, chainsaw sculptures and games bring the legendary world of the knights to life.
The castle festival takes place every year on the first weekend in September.
