Nestled in the Palatinate Forest, Dahn is a small municipality near Germany’s border with France. It is famed for its ruined castles that are perched atop a rocky ridge and is home to a scenic hiking trail that takes in the town’s dramatic sandstone surroundings. Rising above Dahn is the rock of “Virgin’s Leap”, which attracts climbers from near and far.
Things to do in Dahn
Dominating a rocky outcrop on the eastern edge of Dahn are the ruins of Altdahn Castle, which is believed to date back to the early 13th century. It was damaged in 1363 during a feud between the Dahns and the Fleckensteins, then again during the Thirty Years’ War and was eventually destroyed in 1689 by French troops. Among its surviving remains are the northern wall and the south tower.
On the opposite side of Dahn is the rock castle of Neudahn, which is perched high above the valley floor of the River Lauter. It is thought to have been built in the 1230s by the Bishop of Speyer and was destroyed by French troops in 1689 at the start of the War of the Palatinate Succession. Highlights of its ruins include the inner gate and the soaring newel tower.
Want to stretch your legs? Follow the 12-kilometre-long trail that leads through the Dahner Felsenpfad, a natural area renowned for its bizarre rock formations. Marvel at the red sandstone massifs that line the route and climb to the mighty Büttelfelsen, which offers magnificent views across the region.
Getting around Dahn
Dahn is around 45 minutes’ drive from Landau and one hour from Saarbrücken Airport, which has flights to destinations across Europe. Regular trains connect to the Dahn railway station while the town is compact enough to explore on foot.