Trifels Castle

We parked at “ Wanderers Parkplatz”(Hiker’s parking) and then walked through the woods to get to the Castel. It was about 40 minutes walk approximately uphill and a bit shorter downhill. The walk through the woods was very wide and easy to walk on. So if you get into the narrow path then you are likely to be on the wrong way. We also found that Google map works better than Apple Map on this path if you’re using the navigation. The entrance fee for the castle is 6 euros for the adult, there’s family ticket available too. The view from the castle is amazing and breathtaking, so all in all it was a very nice Sunday afternoon activity. I would highly recommend it!

A beautifully preserved medieval castle nestled in the Palatinate Forest, offering stunning panoramic views and a strong sense of historical significance. Best known for once holding Richard the Lionheart as a prisoner, the site carries a rich past that’s well-presented through exhibits and reconstructed elements that give visitors a glimpse into its imperial legacy. It’s a bit of a hike to reach the castle from the parking area, so wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for a moderately steep but scenic walk through the forest. Once at the top, you’re rewarded with breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, especially on clear days. Inside, you’ll find displays of imperial regalia replicas and information about the castle’s history. It’s not a large site, but it’s well worth the visit for history lovers and nature enthusiasts alike. Be sure to check the seasonal opening hours as they vary, and keep in mind that much of the experience involves walking stairs and uneven terrain, so it may not be ideal for those with mobility concerns. Also, there’s no café at the castle itself, but you can find several local eateries in nearby Annweiler and a vending machine at the castle itself. Souvenirs available at the vending machine, or at the shop near the parking with post cards, magnets, and more. Parking in the castle base is about 2 euros, and you must display the ticket on your car’s dashboard. A visit to Burg Trifels pairs well with a longer day trip exploring the region’s hiking trails or other nearby castle ruins.

It’s about 2 miles, approximately an hour, walk from town, but the trail is windy through the woods and not signed as well as it should be. Just keep walking up. There are a few ways up there. Once there, it’s in magnificent condition and the view is fantastic.

Beautiful castle with amasing view, to get there you have to walk like 10min, but it was worth it for sure. I enjoyed the view and it was amasing. The price to visit the castle was auch OK. There is not a lot of things to see in the castle but still cute

Incredibly beautiful view! But be prepared to walk uphill from the parking to the castle.

Castle was nice, able to walk inside for about 6 euro. Ability to have photo in the throne room which is nice but dogs aren't allowed inside, be aware of bringing your pet. The trails around are nice and u can get a lot of steps in.

Visited on a Sunday in early July. Plenty of parking (€1 50 for the day) in the restaurant car park. Wear trainers. About a 15 minute walk uphill (suitable for strollers but not wheelchairs). Cost €4.50 per adult to enter (there are family tickets available). Allow about 90 minutes to walk around all of it (lots of stairs) and take the odd photo. Most information boards had English and French as German on them.

At the end I could say, the hike was worth the view, absolutely mesmerising, you could see the town and many other villages from up there, the forests other mountains surrounding it and even many cities of the Rhineland-Palatinate regions from far away, there is a 180 degrees boards for orientation on the top of the tower. One of the people in charge, guided our tour, telling us wonderful stories about this fortresses and how important it was in the Staufer Empire, the king Richard Lionheart, the castles story in a chronological way, from midiveal ages until modern times. There is also the King's Hall where festivals were held and gatherings, many interesting things. Overall, Annweiler is such a cute and romantic little town.