Castles of Germany - Hambach Castle

The Hambach castle is an impressive building located near Neustadt in Rhineland-Palatinate. The castle archieved major relevance for German history as host of the Hambach Festival which took place in 1832. Hear, over 30,000 people from all ranks came together to protest for national unity and liberty. This happened against the backdrop of the suppression of Palatinate by Bavarian aristocrats. 

The Hambach Festival lasted three days but had no immediate results. However, it gave the democratic civil rights movement of Germany a new lease of life. Therefore, it is seen as the "Cradle of German Democracy" today.

The castle can be visited for free. There is also an exhibition inside about the Hambach Festival where the entry is 4,50 Euros. From the top of the castle you have a superb view over the sourrounding vineyards and cities.

A visit of the Hambach Castle can be easily combined with a stay at Neustadt an der Weinstraße. The city of Neustadt is rather small but very nice. It has a beautiful town centre, great restaurants and many places of interest nearby.