Hambach Castle is one of the most significant attractions in Rhineland Palatinate. You can visit the place where it all began. In 1832 the Hambach Festival took place here, a protest march for democracy and a unified Germany. It is considered an initial trigger for the movement for democracy in Germany. It was on the castle that the black red and gold flag fluttered for the first time. The spirit of unity and freedom continues to live on in the castle to this day. With exciting exhibitions, political discussions, caberet, children’s theatre, classical concerts and much more.
The national memorial near Neustadt an der Weinstrasse is easy to get to by car or bus. But you can also explore it on the popular Weinsteig hiking trail. The castle occupies a magnificent location on a mountain top. Once you have managed the short ascent, you can look forward to an exciting journey back in time through German and European history. You’ll find out everything about the democracy movement, the social and cultural life at the time and the reasons why more than 30,000 people gathered here on 27 May 1832 to celebrate the Hambach Festival. There were Germans, French and Poles, men and women, citizens from all walks of life. Awarded the European Heritage Label, it stands as a symbol and example of European unification as well as for the ideals and history of Europe and the Union. The castle has attracted many prominent guests in its time: the Federal Presidents Theodor Heuss and Richard von Weizsäcker, US President Ronald Reagan, Federal Chancellors Helmut Kohl and Angela Merkel, and Ursula von der Leyen, to mention only a few. And maybe you too in the near future.
Hambach Castle in the middle of the Palatinate wine landscape, Palatinate
A good starting point for a hike is the wine and climatic health resort of St Martin. It takes a circular route through beautiful vineyards and the extensive Palatinate Forest up to Hambach Castle. On your return to St Martin, you can treat yourself to some culinary delights in any of its idyllic wine bars.
Very close-by: the ruins of Wolfsburg Castle, Haardt Castle, Spangenberg Castle and the Kalmit
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