Friedewald: Hiking and Castle History
Accommodation in Friedewald
Friedewald in the Westerwald, in the north of Rhineland-Palatinate near the borders with North Rhine-Westphalia and Hesse, combines hiking trails with a rich castle history. If you are planning a hotel stay in Friedewald, the different routes and historic sites can help you decide what you would like to explore during your trip.
Hiking Trails with Different Route Profiles
The Friedewald circular hiking trail passes the Crypt of the White Angel, a quarry biotope, the Old School, and Friedewald Castle. It is divided into a short and a long loop, with routes ranging from 1.3 to 10.3 kilometers. Walking times are up to three hours. This lets you choose the length of your hike from the available loops.
A longer option is a stage of the Druidensteig: it is 13.5 kilometers long and classified as moderately difficult. The route runs from Daaden to the Elkenrother Weiher and through Friedewald. Here, hikers can see the castle with its onion dome and massive wooden gate. The stage then passes through meadows and heads toward the Neunkhausen-Weitefeld Plateau. The Friedewald circular trail offers several lengths to choose from, while this Druidensteig stage has a set distance and difficulty level. Regional hiking and cycling routes are also connected with Friedewald Castle.
The Castle and Historic Town Center
Friedewald Castle dates back to a castle founded around 1320 by the Counts of Sayn. In 1324, Gottfried II of Sayn was granted the right to build a fortified castle in Friedewald; the settlement was also granted town rights. During the Thirty Years’ War, the castle served as the last refuge of the county. From 1671 to 1791, Friedewald was the main seat of the County of Sayn-Altenkirchen.
The castle’s main building is dated to 1580 and 1582, with extensions added in 1609. Between 1885 and 1895, the main building was extensively restored and renovated; the courtyard façade is in the Late Renaissance style.
The Castle and Historic Town Center
Friedewald Castle dates back to a castle founded around 1320 by the Counts of Sayn. In 1324, Gottfried II of Sayn was granted the right to build a fortified castle in Friedewald; the settlement was also granted town rights. During the Thirty Years’ War, the castle served as the last refuge of the county. From 1671 to 1791, Friedewald was the main seat of the County of Sayn-Altenkirchen.
The castle’s main building is dated to 1580 and 1582, with extensions added in 1609. Between 1885 and 1895, the main building was extensively restored and renovated; the courtyard façade is in the Late Renaissance style. Dehio describes Friedewald Castle as a particularly characteristic example of German princely Mannerist castles.
The historic town center’s protected monument zone includes the castle, remains of the town fortifications, and the originally walled settlement. The surviving fortifications include low sections of wall on the east and west sides and part of a round rubble-stone tower in the northeast. The castle lords’ burial ground lies east of the settlement. It includes a path, an entrance gate, a crypt with an angel, and two monuments dating from around 1900.
Events and Practical Information
The castle complex includes a five-hectare English park with several 120-year-old giant sequoias and an integrated rose garden. Old trees and romantic planting provide a setting for events. Friedewald Castle offers indoor spaces and outdoor areas for corporate events, private celebrations, seminars, and workshops, including sessions on yoga, relaxation, photography, and painting. Events require advance booking. Civil and non-religious wedding ceremonies are also offered in historic rooms, beneath the courtyard linden tree, or in the rose garden. Check availability before your trip.
The castle courtyard also serves as a venue for product presentations, with views of the Renaissance façade and the Daadetal valley. The castle and park are not generally open to the public; group visits must be arranged in advance. There is currently no public dining at the castle, such as a restaurant, café, or beer garden.
There is plenty of parking at the castle; additional parking is available nearby during large events. The outdoor areas are wheelchair accessible and have an accessible restroom, but the castle itself can only be reached via stairs. Before setting out, check the current access and service conditions, as well as the parking arrangements for events.
Discover more destinations: Nisterberg, Biersdorf, Schutzbach, Emmerzhausen.
For the main travel overview: Daaden.
