New Wolfstein Castle — Attraction in Lauterecken-Wolfstein

This is a combined review for Old and New Wolfstein Castles (though photos will be separate) because the whole experience was made better by the fact that one "hike" gets you TWO castle ruins. I came here today on a June Monday afternoon with 2 adults and 3 children ages 5, 3, and 1.5 years. I wore the baby and the other two kids walked (without difficulty). We had no idea where to park, and google brought me to a parking lot on Lauterstrasse directly in front of KOB, which didn't even seem to have a trail head and there was no way I was walking on such a busy road with my kids. So we rerouted and went up to the trailhead right off of Schlossgasse, though there were only 3 parking spots and no trail markings - I was going off of Google maps visual alone. There was a sweet little fountain there my kids played in for a few minutes. We parked and entered the trail (which was a paved road at this point and was marked "restricted to military personnel" and hoped we were going the right way. Turns out that will bring you directly to New Wolfstein castle, which we bypassed at first and took the path that leaves the road we were on and goes through a very grassy, overgrown area that was interesting nonetheless with old run down cabins to look at from afar as well as horses and gardens. We took the "road" on the way back (which by the Old castle is a gravel/dirt path). Either way you will see a forest fountain with a bench almost to the Old castle, as well as an interesting little room with an arch doorway almost immediately as you start walking from Schlossgasse. I posted a photo that marks the path I recommend taking.

As for the actual castles, neither one is overly impressive on its own but together they made for a wonderful afternoon. Old Wolfstein castle is basically just a tower with a few other remaining walls, with a very safe and sturdy metal staircase to the top, where there are high walls (good with small children) and a decent view, but nothing else. The base of the castle has two picnic tables but the grass is quite overgrown. We had a snack here and went back to the New castle, which is much more enjoyable, if not as impressive (no tower to climb here). Not much left except of what I assume is the courtyard, but the view is nicer and the ruins are just a little bit prettier with a better atmosphere. There is a vineyard surrounding the winery and you can go down a staircase to the outside of the castle lower down and look over the grape vines. There were benches in and in front of this castle, as well as some other interesting memorials and structures. Both castles are freely accessible 24/7 without any bathroom facilities, so be prepared for that and bring a snack!

Overall, a great daytrip that's worth a 45 minute drive (which is what it was for us) especially if you have time to check out some of the biergartens that we passed on the drive and the local protestant church while you're...

Park here and walk around the playground up the trail. This will take you to the first wolfstein Castle and then if you continue on you will find the old ruins and I think the older one is the more interesting one that you can climb. https://maps.app.goo.gl/FUQihomVTMuHhpXv6

We drove up and parked closer to the old one and then walked but this was basically a farm road and I wouldn't recommend parking here.

Pin I dropped is what people say when they mean to park in town.

We basically had a nice 45 minute hike to see both ruins on a lazy day in the cool woods. It was good for little kids. They can climb up to the tower but there's not a ton to it. It was nice enough. Wolfstein...

Sorry for the long-winded review, but this place has earned a bit of my heart. Great place to visit and spend time outside the beaten path. I did this review about five years ago and have returned numerous times since. The place offers good parking, access to multiple trails with georgeus scenery, an amazing Italian restaurant and other nice venues, The walk to the old and new Wolfenstein Castles is short, but filled with charms and scenery. The town is small but very quaint with friendly people and lots to offer. Bring your dog, significant other, a camera, and an appetite for...