On 25 July we’re heading out to paint at the Burgruine Baldenau, a moated castle in the Hunsrück.

The Burgruine Baldenau lies in the upper Dhron valley near Morbach-Hundheim and is something special in the Hunsrück: it is considered the only moated castle in the region. It was built in the early 14th century under Elector Baldwin of Luxembourg; today, the most prominent remains are the striking keep, parts of the curtain wall, and the moat, which is fed by the upper reaches of the Dhron.

It is especially this moat that makes the ruin such a picturesque motif: old walls, reflections, meadows, water, and sky come together here in a compact space. Right next to the castle ruin, the Arnikaschleife trail also leads through the spring moor of the upper Dhron valley. Boardwalks and wooden walkways take you through a rather unusual moor and meadow landscape — a completely different kind of motif right beside the castle.

Meeting point

We’ll meet at 10:30 directly at the castle: https://maps.app.goo.gl/gTFzeF3GEB48ghoc6
Parking is free. If the parking lot is full, there is another overflow parking area about 100 m before it.

Schedule

We’ll take a look around the grounds together, and then everyone can choose their painting spot. Once everyone is finished, we’ll drive to a café together.

Heat

During the last period of extreme heat in mid-June, the temperature in Morbach was apparently around 33°C, while the Rhine plain reached 38°C. Please still bring sun protection and something to drink, as there are no cafés or other facilities in the immediate vicinity.