The ruins of Weissenstein Castle in Waldershof, Germany, seen here on Jan. 11, 2025, offer spectacular mountain views and a window into how medieval nobility once lived. (Matthew M. Burke/Stars and Stripes)

Not every European castle is historically significant, but there is still intrigue to discover in them, as I did on a recent trek up to the Weissenstein Castle ruins in Steinwald Nature Park in Waldershof, Germany.

Approximately 45 minutes northeast of Grafenwoehr, the well-marked, well-maintained loop through the forest to the castle offered picturesque nature scenes, spectacular mountain views and a firsthand look at how medieval nobility once lived.

I decided to visit the place at the suggestion of a colleague. The large parking lot was covered in a sheet of ice but still full of cars when I arrived, with only a few hours before nightfall.

The ruins of Weissenstein Castle in Waldershof, Germany, are at an elevation of over 2,800 feet. Trails surrounding the castle abound in recreational opportunities, and hikers are rewarded with expansive views from the hilltop. (Matthew M. Burke/Stars and Stripes)

The steps into the Weissenstein Castle ruins in Waldershof, Germany, can be treacherous in wintertime. Parts of the castle, which was abandoned in 1560, have been renovated. (Matthew M. Burke/Stars and Stripes)

The trails were safe and easy to follow, even with a thin layer of snow. I used the AllTrails application to chart my route, which covered 2 miles in total. A left at the first fork offered the quickest path to Weissenstein.

The first leg of the journey was flat; then the path rose slowly through the pine trees. Along the way, I passed other hikers and saw families with children whizzing downhill on their sleds. That said, though, I spent much of my trek in solitude.

Hikers make their way through the snow to the Weissenstein Castle ruins in Steinwald Nature Park in Waldershof, Germany, on Jan. 11, 2025. (Matthew M. Burke/Stars and Stripes)

Suddenly, a view of the ruins opened up before me. The castle sits at an elevation of 2,814 feet and has two covered areas where visitors can rest. One of them is a kiosk, where I read the history using an app to translate the German.

Weissenstein Castle first appeared in German records in 1279, the park’s tourism website said. It passed from the Weissensteiner family to the influential noble Notthafft family, which ruled a considerable territory from nearby Poppenreuth to Krummennaab in the south.

A key tells visitors to the Weissenstein Castle ruins in Waldershof, Germany, what towns and villages they are looking at from atop the renovated tower. (Matthew M. Burke/Stars and Stripes)

Tall granite towers that were incorporated into the design of the castle, which never played an important role in history and was abandoned in 1560. Nevertheless, it has plenty of lore.

The site is said to be haunted by an unidentified female ghost who wails loudly each time a member of the Notthafft family dies. Considering that an online history of the family says the Weissenstein line died out in 1718, what the ghost still has to mourn about is anybody’s guess.

There is also a treasure supposedly buried on the property, a magic ring brought back from a crusade.

I carefully climbed the steep steps into what once was an interior area with a tunnel and door. After a few more flights, I was in the tower. Then I was on a deck roof constructed on what had likely been a parapet or rooftop.

The renovated tower of Weissenstein Castle in Waldershof, Germany, offers a stunning view of the surrounding area. The castle ruins are surrounded by a nature park. (Matthew M. Burke/Stars and Stripes)

A renovated tower at Weissenstein Castle in Waldershof, Germany, stands out from the ruins and affords a stunning view of the surrounding area. (Matthew M. Burke/Stars and Stripes)

The view was magnificent. I could see for miles around, and a stone marker indicated what nearby towns I was looking at.

What Weissenstein Castle lacks in name recognition, it makes up for in other areas. And I have to say the mountain bike trails there looked to me like an invitation to return when warmer days arrive.

On the QT

Address: Burgruine Weissenstein, Waldershof, Germany

Hours: Daylight hours year-round

Cost: Admission is free. Parking fees vary according to length of time and are paid through a smartphone app.

Information: Online: burgruine-weissenstein.de, notthafft.de/geschichte/weissenstein.htm