A little over nine miles east of Heidelberg, where the Steinach Brook meets the Neckar River, is the quaint town of “Neckarsteinach.” The earliest recorded existence of human habitation in this part of Germany indicated that the wood-rich area and waters were great for hunting and fishing. Celtic tribes lived in the area between the mid-8th and the 11th centuries, at which time it became a Roman Catholic Bishopric with ties to the monastery of “Worms” ( a Dominican monastery located 40 miles south-west of Frankfort).
Eventually, the area became owned by the Edelfreien family [a series of feudal lords that became known as the “Bigger (“lightning spear”) Von Steinach]. It was this family line that constructed the famous “Four Castles of Neckarsteinach.”
In 1377, the first mention of Neckarsteinach as a settlement was documented. During this same century, the town was surrounded by defensive walls, making it an enclosed fortification. The 15th century saw Neckarsteinach receiving its first town charter. It was heavily damaged throughout the Thirty Years War (1618-1648). By the end of the 17th century, French Huguenots settled in the area. With their cloth making and tanning skills, the town prospered. In 1699, ownership of the town passed to Casper Hugo Von Metternich Zu Mullensch, only to have it taken over by the Electorate of the Palentinate fifty-five years later.
The most famous landmarks in the town are it’s four castles, built between 1100 and 1231;
Vordenburg (meaning “Fore-castle” or “Further Castle”);
Mittelburg (meaning “Middle Castle”);
Hinterburg (meaning “Hind Castle” or “Hinder Castle”);
Schwalbennest (meaning “Swollows Nest”).
Various families owned the castles through the Late Middle Ages until they became the property of the Bishopric of Worms and Speyer. In the early 1800’s, Vorderburg was sold into private ownership. Today, the Mittelburg is home to the Von Warsberg-Dorth family. The others are now visible to the public. Our son David had suggested that we visit this quaint town and it was great advice.
Eventually, the area became owned by the Edelfreien family [a series of feudal lords that became known as the “Bigger (“lightning spear”) Von Steinach]. It was this family line that constructed the famous “Four Castles of Neckarsteinach.”
In 1377, the first mention of Neckarsteinach as a settlement was documented. During this same century, the town was surrounded by defensive walls, making it an enclosed fortification. The 15th century saw Neckarsteinach receiving its first town charter. It was heavily damaged throughout the Thirty Years War (1618-1648). By the end of the 17th century, French Huguenots settled in the area. With their cloth making and tanning skills, the town prospered. In 1699, ownership of the town passed to Casper Hugo Von Metternich Zu Mullensch, only to have it taken over by the Electorate of the Palentinate fifty-five years later.
The most famous landmarks in the town are it’s four castles, built between 1100 and 1231;
Vordenburg (meaning “Fore-castle” or “Further Castle”);
Mittelburg (meaning “Middle Castle”);
Hinterburg (meaning “Hind Castle” or “Hinder Castle”);
Schwalbennest (meaning “Swollows Nest”).
Various families owned the castles through the Late Middle Ages until they became the property of the Bishopric of Worms and Speyer. In the early 1800’s, Vorderburg was sold into private ownership. Today, the Mittelburg is home to the Von Warsberg-Dorth family. The others are now visible to the public. Our son David had suggested that we visit this quaint town and it was great advice.
East of Heidelberg, at the intersection of the Neckar River and the Steinach Brook, is the quaint village of Neckarsteinach.
Walking these streets is like taking a stroll through the Middle Ages.
Not much has changed in the town from the time this old painting was done (circa 1886).
Looking at the town from the Four Castles hill, we were impressed with its beauty and solitude.
The most famous ( and most photographed ) landmarks in the town are its “Four Castles.” This is the privately owned Vorderburg Castle (“The Fore Castle”) with its residence, farm building, and dungeon...
... the Mittelburg castle (“ The Middle Castle”) which is 800 years old and also under private ownership...
Considered by some to be the most impressive of the four castles, the Hinterburg (or “Hind”) Castle was ruined around 1630, during the Thirty Years War...
...and the Schwalbennest ( the “Swollow’s Nest”, also called Castle Schadeck). Built in 1335 under suspicions it was constructed on the property of another family, it was thought to have been ruined during the late 15th century.
This old photo depicts the castles during their heyday.
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