This palace, built in the 11th century, became a symbol of German democracy back in 1832
This palace, built in the 11th century, became a symbol of German democracy back in 1832
The history of Germany is complex. Perhaps many don’t know that throughout history, “Germany” was a loose collection of dutchies, kingdoms and principalities with only a shared language one of the few things they had in common. This changed in 1871 after defeating the French under leadership of the Prussians and Germany became a unified nation for the first time. But before that fateful conflict, in 1832, a big group of people gathered at the Schloss to protest against the Bavarian government which ruled the Palatinate at the time. After the gathering, called the Hambacher Fest, it became a symbol of democracy.
Today, you can visit the castle (technically it’s a “palace”) and enjoy the immaculately preserved structure and tour the gardens. Enjoy the commanding view of the Weinstrasse while you explore the courtyards.
Parking is somewhat limited, but there are buses that will take you from Neustadt to the base of the hill upon which the Hambacher Schloss sits. You will have to hike the rest of the way on foot, but you can grab an icecream cone at a little kiosk before you do!
This work by kmc-x.com is licensed under a Attribution-4.0 International Deed (CC BY 4.0)