The foundation of Neudahn Castle is controversially discussed in the literature. The confusing family and property history of the Dahn ministerials in the service of the Bishops of Speyer makes it difficult to prove the date of origin. It is almost certain that the first mention of Dahn Castle in a document from 1285 does not refer to a castle in the Dahn castle group (Grafendahn, Altdahn, Tanstein) but to Neudahn Castle. In a feudal register of the Speyer bishops from 1343, however, a clear distinction is made between Alt- and Neudahn. As early as the 14th century, the Lords of Fleckenstein acquired a share of Neudahn, which they granted to Count Palatine Ruprecht I. Neudahn Castle, which was remodelled and extended several times, remained in family ownership until the von Dahn dynasty died out in 1603. It then served as the seat of a Speyer bailiff. Neudahn Castle was destroyed and reduced to ruins in 1689. It was not rebuilt. Today, the castle, which was renovated in the 1980s, is a popular excursion destination. (Jens Friedhof)
The structural development of Neudahn Castle still requires detailed investigation. Humpback ashlar masonry from the 13th century has been preserved on the remains of a residential building in the upper castle. The humpback ashlars on the protruding rocky spire, the upper part of the V-shaped bastion and the northern round tower in the lower castle probably date from the 14th/15th century. The battery towers with the embrasures can be dated to the 16th century. (Dieter Barz)
There was a residential building on the upper castle. Attached to the upper castle was a battery tower in the form of a double round tower for firearms. The lower castle was protected on the field side by a clad rock spire and a V-shaped bastion. The lower castle also had two flanking towers. (Dieter Barz)