Castle

Merburg

Merburg bei Kirrberg, Collingstraße anschl. links bis Wanderparkplatz, 66424 Homburg

Idyllically situated on the edge of the Lambsbach Valley, Merburg Castle near Kirrberg. This valley castle is situated just 12 metres above the water level of the stream on a sandstone block, the Malafels. It is one of the smallest castles in the Saarland and its historical remains were excavated and restored between 1975 and 1980.

The remains of the former keep and the inner castle wall can still be recognised.

The following legend has been passed down through the generations in Kirrberg about the Merburg and the Malafels: In ancient times, a villain was up to mischief on the Malafels above the Lambsbach. This rough fellow was popularly known as "Knight Mala". Whether he actually existed is disputed, Mala is certainly a legendary figure, but there is a grain of truth in every legend.

The small Merburg castle, situated low above the valley floor of the Lambsbach stream, nevertheless proves to be a complex fortification with a sturdy octagonal keep, which measured at least 10 metres in height according to the thickness of its walls, with a solid, certainly two-storey house and an inner ring of walls. The castle was surrounded on two sides by marshy meadows, while the third side was protected by a moat. A second moat protected the outer bailey, which was located towards Kirrberg.

Merburg Castle existed until the 11th century AD. It was the predecessor of Hohenburg Castle on Homburg Castle Hill, which from then on served as the residence of the Counts of Homburg.

In the immediate neighbourhood is a small fishing pond, the Merwoog, with its own fishing hut. The grounds with their seating invite you to linger and catch the warming rays of sunshine. A visit to the castle can easily be combined with a short hike. Cyclists can find Merburg Castle via the Lambsbach Tour through the valley of the same name from Homburg City Park via Karlsberg Castle.

The longest route, the "Karlsberg Tour" of the Homburg Nordic Walking Park, also leads past Merburg Castle. It is a challenging tour. The route leads past the fish pond and the Merburg castle to the Karlsberg with its historical sights such as the Tosbecken, menagerie and orangery. At the idyllically situated Karlsberg pond, the rocky path and later wider paths lead back to the Waldstadion.

Along the way, the views of Homburg and the forest park are constantly changing and provide wonderful and charming impressions.