Hochstetten-Dhaun: Castle History and Trails

Castle history, hiking trails and regional cuisine offer different ways to experience Hochstetten-Dhaun. The Wildgrafenweg trail provides specific planning details, including its length and stated duration; Dhaun Castle, St. Johannisberg Collegiate Church and the church in Dhaun bring different chapters of local history to life. A viewing platform and designated hiking and cycling routes are also among the options to consider for your stay.

Castle History and Art

Dhaun Castle, in the district of Dhaun, is considered an important cultural monument in the Nahe and Hunsrück region. The medieval fortress was built in the early 12th century. In the 16th century, Wild- and Rhinegrave Carl transformed Dhaun Castle into a Baroque palace. Its historic appearance is exceptionally well preserved. The castle grounds are open to the public and are used for cultural events.

The grounds include underground passages and a 10,000-square-meter castle park that can be visited daily. The town’s history can also be traced through its artworks: the Evangelical church in Dhaun preserves 24 biblical panel paintings and twelve depictions of apostles and evangelists from the former castle chapel. They date from the first half of the 17th century. Reproductions can be viewed in the ruins of the former court chapel at Dhaun Castle.

St. Johannisberg Collegiate Church was elevated to collegiate church status in 1318. Its tomb monuments to the ruling Wild- and Rhinegrave house of Dhaun trace the development of sculpture over four centuries, through to the mid-18th century. The ruins of Brunkenstein offer a different historical highlight: their wall remains are clearly visible. Brunkenstein was one of the military outposts built in 1336 for strategic purposes.

Hiking, Cycling and Views

The Wildgrafenweg trail is 13.3 kilometers long, with a stated duration of 4 hours and 15 minutes. The route passes the ruins of Brunkenstein and offers a view of Dhaun Castle. It also leads into the Itzbach valley, where protected wetlands are located. Along the way, panoramic views extend across the Hunsrück heights, the North Palatine Uplands and the Nahe Valley.

The recommended start and end point for the Wildgrafenweg trail is the “Hochstetten-Geologischer Lehrpfad” hiking car park in Hochstetten-Dhaun. To get there, take the RB33 to Hochstetten (Nahe) station; from there, a 900-meter walk continues along Bahnhofstraße and Dhauner Straße. Check train and bus connections before your trip. The Nahe Cycle Route passes through the districts of Hochstetten and Hochstädten. The Hildegard of Bingen Pilgrimage Trail is another hiking option for visitors to Hochstetten-Dhaun.

The Nahe Skywalk offers a viewpoint of its own: the 65-square-meter platform projects seven meters beyond the edge of a former quarry, opening up views across the Nahe Valley. A guided experience combines the Skywalk with Dhaun Castle and St. Johannisberg Collegiate Church. This gives you several options to consider when planning: a hiking route with a clearly stated length and duration, cultural and historical sites, and a viewpoint overlooking the valley.

Regional Cuisine and Trip Planning

Wappensaal Dhaun restaurant is in the district of Dhaun, very close to Dhaun Castle, the Wildgrafenweg trail and the Hildegard of Bingen Pilgrimage Trail. Its panoramic terrace and beer garden offer views of the Simmerbach and Nahe valleys. The cuisine is regional, seasonal and themed. This culinary highlight adds another dimension to the historic and active sides of a stay.

A guided experience in Hochstetten-Dhaun can include a tasting of four selected regional wines and regional dishes. Booking details and availability may change. The information about the Wildgrafenweg trail helps you plan the timing of your hike, while the castle and church art offers a different focus.

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