In Burgschwalbach, the history of its castle and church sits alongside woodland attractions that offer a different perspective. Schwalbach Castle was built from 1368 by Count Eberhard of Katzenelnbogen; the Protestant Church is believed to be more than 1,000 years old. Together, they draw attention both to the origins of the town and to building phases spanning several centuries.
The castle and the history of the town
In 1368, Burgschwalbach was granted the right to fortify the settlement and elevate it to town status. It was also granted the right to hold a weekly market on Tuesdays. The history of the castle and the settlement come together in this year: the castle was built as the town’s rights expanded.
Count Wilhelm of Nassau-Weilburg moved into the castle in 1594. In 1598, a new water line made of clay pipes was laid to the castle; remains of a water line from Schwalbach Castle were found in 1962. A work of art from the castle chapel is also now kept elsewhere: the painted winged altarpiece from 1517 is at the Landesmuseum Wiesbaden, although it was not on display there the last time this was checked.
The Protestant Church and its building phases
The Protestant Church brings together several building and decorative phases. It was remodeled in the 14th century and gained a Gothic 5/8 choir. The nave was extended westward in 1664; its ceiling is decorated with 17th-century stucco. The choir contains a black marble baptismal font dating from 1714. Two stained-glass windows there were created by the painter Heinz Hindorf.
Gothic paintings, including trees of life and consecration crosses, were uncovered in the choir in 1998. The sequence of the Gothic choir, the later extension of the nave and the decorative features illustrates the church’s different periods. Visits are possible by prior telephone arrangement. Confirm the visiting arrangements locally before your visit.
Forest, views and nearby attractions
Märchenwald, above Burgschwalbach, is a forest playground open year-round, with play equipment, huts and seating. Use is free of charge. Three huts and a sunshade canopy can be reserved for private celebrations or children’s birthday parties. This makes the visiting arrangements clearly different from those for the church: the playground is open year-round and free to use, while a telephone arrangement is required for the church.
Wehrholz, the highest point in Burgschwalbach, offers views over the town and the valley. The vantage point adds the setting of the village and its surroundings to the views of the castle and church. Nearby, in Zollhaus, walkers and cyclists can find the Römerquelle and Johannisbrunnen mineral springs.
The Palmbachtal Forest Discovery Trail lies between Panrod and Burgschwalbach. Its stations teach visitors about tree species and forest processes; the trail includes an acoustic hut, a forest telephone and an insect wall. Here, the focus is on learning about the forest, while Wehrholz is primarily a place to enjoy views over the town and valley.
Planning your visit and stay
Bus route 572 connects Bonscheuer, Burgschwalbach and Hahnstätten. As timetables and route assignments may change, check the latest public transport information before travelling.
When planning, take the specific visiting arrangements into account, particularly the need to arrange a church visit by telephone and to check the current timetable for route 572. This will help you focus your accommodation search on the interests that matter most for your stay.
Discover more destinations
Discover more destinations: Bettendorf, Reichenberg, Attenhausen, Katzenelnbogen, Loreley, Balduinstein, Patersberg, Bad Ems.
Go to the main travel guide: Rhein-Lahn.
