Grumbach Castle

Grumbach Castle, also known as Schloss Grumbach, is the ruin of a spur castle on a mountain spur in the village of Grumbach in the district of Kusel, Rhineland-Palatinate.

The castle was first mentioned in 1242 as being in the possession of its presumed builder, Wildgraf Konrad von Kyrburg, when he pledged his castle as a fief to the Duke of Brabant. It remained in the possession of the Rheingrafen (as successors to the Wildgrafen), and a small settlement grew at its foot. From 1575 to 1792, it served as the residence of the ruling Wild- and Rheingrafen, having been expanded into a palace. Many high lords and noble ladies entered and exited the palace during these two centuries, including, for example, the Prince of Salm, the Prince of Nassau, the Princess and Countess Palatine of the Rhine and Bavaria, the Duchess of Zweibrücken, and the Mecklenburg Princess Louisa, who later became Queen of Prussia. From 1792 to 1793, the counts residing in Grumbach had to flee from the advancing French. During several military actions, the palace was plundered, damaged, and used as a hospital. It fell into disrepair and was demolished in 1798.

Of the former castle complex, the administrative building (Amtshaus) and the foundation walls are still preserved.