- for any weather
- For groups
- for school classes
- for families
- for individual guests
- Pets allowed
- Suitable for seniors
Ginsburg
Archaeological site | Historical site
The Ginsburg in Hilchenbach-Grund is a Nassau border fortress built in the 12th century. Early on, it was a central crossing point for various long-distance roads coming over the ridges from the Rhine-Main region. It was also the hub between the Sieger-, Sauer- and Wittgensteiner Land and the Dill region. Today, as a prominent route point on the Rothaarsteig, the castle offers hikers, nature and local history enthusiasts a rest stop with sweeping panoramic views.
Address
Ginsburg
Schlossberg 1
57271 Hilchenbach
Telephone: 02733-6990201
Properties:
History of the castle
The castle was acquired by the Nassau counts between 1220-1240 and used as a strategically important customs and transportation hub. Until 1360, Ginsburg Castle changed hands several times through inheritances, pledges and divisions. It gained particular importance in 1568 when William the Silent, Prince of Orange, Count of Nassau, gathered an army on the Ginsberg Heath and marched out with his troops via Freudenberg to liberate the Netherlands. The Ginsberg Heath was located in the immediate vicinity of the Landhecke, which was built to protect against the Duchy of Westphalia (Archbishopric of Cologne). Goods were transported along the "beats", which were extensively fortified in order to be able to levy the specified goods duty.
In the 17th century, the castle fell into ruin and the remains of the walls were uncovered and restored in the 1960s. In 1975, a half-timbered building was erected in the immediate vicinity of the round keep built on the rectangular foundation walls of an older tower. An older hammer mill was built on the castle grounds using original building fabric. This building originally came from the former district of Buschgotthardshütten on the Ferndorfbach (today Siegen, Weidenau district).
Current use
Today, the Ginsburg is an excursion destination and viewpoint. The rooms of the tower, which was rebuilt in the 1960s, are used as a banqueting hall and wedding room. An exhibition inside the castle reminds visitors of the historical significance of this German-Dutch memorial site. In addition to the rustic restaurant, the old castle kitchen also has a room on the upper floor which is used for teaching events.
Weddings
Since May 2025, weddings have been held in the Ginsburg tower room between May and September.
Further information can be found under Registry Office / Hilchenbach and on the Ginsburg website.
Guided tours
Verein zur Erhaltung der Ginsburg, guest and cultural landscape guide Michael Thon
Phone 02733 811 72 50 or info@gruenthon.de,Grünthon.de
Gastronomy:
The Ginsburg Café invites you to take a leisurely break with delicious treats! Check the opening times on the homepages of the Verein zur Erhaltung der Ginsburg e.V. and the Ginsburg Café. Here you will also find dates for events...
Special features
Every year at Whitsun, the international music and theater festival Kultur Pur takes place on the Ginsberg Heath. A play by the Schlossberg Raubritter is performed in the keep.
Prices
Admission to the tower:
Adults 1,00 €
Children and teenagers € 0.50
Guided tours for groups possible by prior arrangement.
A donation is requested. Free guided tours several times a year as part of the guided tours organized by the town of Hilchenbach.
Adults 1,00 €
Children and teenagers € 0.50
Guided tours for groups possible by prior arrangement.
A donation is requested. Free guided tours several times a year as part of the guided tours organized by the town of Hilchenbach.
Main opening times:
| Day | From | Until |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | 09:00 | 19:00 |
| Tuesday | 09:00 | 19:00 |
| Wednesday | 09:00 | 19:00 |
| Thursday | 09:00 | 19:00 |
| Friday | 09:00 | 19:00 |
| Saturday | 09:00 | 19:00 |
| Sunday | 09:00 | 19:00 |
Business hours
Tower access all day until dusk
Exhibition rooms are open during the opening hours of the restaurant.
Please note: opening times of the restaurant differ.
Directions
How to get there Take the B 62 in Hilchenbach-Lützel and turn onto Gillerbergstraße. There are parking spaces at the Ginsberger Heide sports ground. From there it is approx. 800 m on foot. Park at the Zollposten parking lot via the B508 and walk along the hiking trail to the Ginsburg ruins. From the Zollposten parking lot, the walk is approx. 900 m. Direct access by car is only permitted in exceptional cases for the disabled or by prior arrangement! Parking Giller parking lot, Gillerbergstraße Parking lots in the area of the Ginsberger Heide sports field Customs post parking lot. Public transportation The Ginsburg is not directly accessible by public transport. With the Rothaarbahn RB93 Stop: Vormwald station
