Jordan is full of ancient sites and dramatic landscapes. One of the most exciting places to visit is Kerak Castle, a huge fortress that sits high above the valleys below. Renting a car in Jordan can add more fun to the trip. You’ll pass small towns, winding roads, and beautiful views. This guide will show you how to enjoy the journey and maximize your time at Kerak Castle. Keep reading to see what makes this road trip memorable.
French tourists need a valid French driver’s license, an International Driving Permit (IDP), and a passport. Most rental companies also require a credit card and a minimum age of 21 to 25.
Driving in Jordan is on the right-hand side, just like in France. Fuel is affordable, and stations are easy to find in major towns. Use Google Maps or a GPS app to navigate, as road signs can be limited in rural areas. Choose a car with air conditioning, especially if you plan to visit desert regions or Crusader castles like Kerak.
Kerak Castle isn’t just a pile of old stones. It’s a site filled with stories of battles, kings, and shifting empires located about 2 hours south of Amman. The castle sits 900 meters above sea level and offers panoramic views of valleys and villages.
Kerak Castle was built in the 1140s by Crusaders. It became one of their strongest fortresses in the region. Positioned between Jerusalem and Aqaba, it controlled key trade and military routes. The castle later fell to the Muslim leader Saladin in 1188. He led a siege that marked a turning point in the Crusades. After that, the Mamluks and Ottomans left their marks on the castle. These layers of history make it one of the most important heritage sites in the country.
The Kerak Castle is a massive structure with long halls, towering walls, and deep dungeons. The walls are thick and built with both European and Islamic designs. You’ll find tunnels, arrow slits, and vaulted halls.
The lower levels are like a maze. You can walk through cool stone corridors used for storage and defense. The upper areas lead to the towers and battlements, where you get the best views. This design shows how Crusaders utilized the terrain to their advantage. Kerak Castle blends Crusader ambition with local craftsmanship. It's a treasure for fans of medieval architecture or military history.
While Petra draws most visitors to Jordan, the crusader castles in Jordan reveal another side of its rich past. Shobak Castle was built by the Crusaders in 1115. It sits on a quiet hilltop, offering a more isolated and raw experience. Ajloun Castle was built by Muslims to defend against the Crusaders. It reflects Islamic military architecture with rounded towers and strategic hilltop placement.
Lastly, Kerak Castle blends Crusader and Islamic influences, making it unique. It’s one of the largest and best-preserved castles in Jordan. With vast stone halls, underground tunnels, and scenic views, it’s a favorite among history lovers and photographers.
The drive to Kerak Castle is one of the most scenic routes in Jordan. There are two main routes from Amman: the King’s Highway and the Desert Highway. While the Desert Highway is faster, the King’s Highway is more scenic and historic.
The King’s Highway takes about two hours. It winds through hills, farms, and small villages. It’s a better choice if you want to enjoy the views and take some photos along the way. Start from Amman or Madaba. From Madaba, you’ll join the King’s Highway directly. From Amman, follow Route 35 south. On your way to Kerak Castle, you’ll pass through the following stops. Here are some of the viewpoints where you can pull over and take photos.
Distance to Kerak Castle: Roughly 90 km northwest
From this viewpoint, French tourists can see the Dead Sea in the distance, with Israel’s hills on the other side. It’s a peaceful spot with a wide view of the Jordan Rift Valley. Some stops along the road have vendors selling tea or souvenirs.
Route to next stop: Drive southeast along Ma'in Road, then merge onto Route 35 (King’s Highway) toward Dhiban.
Distance to Kerak Castle: About 40 km northeast
Dhiban was once the capital of the ancient kingdom of Moab and appears in biblical records. Today, you can still see ruins of city walls, stone foundations, and cisterns. It sits on a hilltop, offering great views over the valley. It’s quiet, but history lovers will enjoy walking through its ruins.
Route to next stop: Continue south on Route 35, which leads directly to the Wadi Mujib Bridge.
Distance to Kerak Castle: Around 53 km north
This bridge crosses the dramatic Wadi Mujib canyon, often called Jordan’s Grand Canyon. The gorge cuts deep through the plateau, and the views are breathtaking, especially if you stop at the viewpoint before or after the bridge. The area is dry and rugged, with steep cliffs on either side. It’s one of the most photographed parts of the King’s Highway.
Route to next stop: Stay on Route 35 south, climbing out of the canyon. Continue along the winding road through rugged terrain until you reach the At-Tafilah Highlands.
Distance to Kerak Castle: Around 39 km south
After Wadi Mujib, the drive continues through the scenic At-Tafilah Highlands. These hills are dotted with terraced farms, pine forests, and rocky ridges. In spring, wildflowers color the slopes. Though small villages line the road, look for short detours revealing Roman ruins and Ottoman stone homes. The peaceful area offers a sharp contrast to the dry canyon landscapes just before.
Route to next stop: Continue on Route 35 south until you reach the town of Qasr, then take the turn toward Kerak City on Route 50 west. Before reaching Kerak Castle, make a short stop at Al Rabbah, a quiet town with historical significance.
Distance to Kerak Castle: About 12 km south
Al Rabbah was once the site of ancient Rabba, a city mentioned in biblical texts. While not as developed as Kerak, it holds archaeological interest. You’ll find old churches, Byzantine-era ruins, and stone structures. The town sits on a gentle slope and offers views of the surrounding plains. It's a good last stop to stretch your legs and take some peaceful rural scenery before the final climb to Kerak Castle.
After reaching Kerak town, follow the signs leading uphill to the castle. The road winds through the old part of town, where you’ll pass local shops, cafés, and narrow alleys. Parking is available near the main entrance. A small lot charges around 3 JD, or you can find free street parking nearby. From there, it’s a short walk to the ticket booth and castle gate.
Entry Details and Visitor Information
There’s plenty to explore after driving to Kerak Castle. Here’s what to look for inside:
These underground chambers stretch beneath the main structure. Built with thick stone walls and arched ceilings, they once housed soldiers and supplies. The cool, dim halls offer a glimpse into medieval life. As you walk through, note the carved niches, small windows, and echoing footsteps that bring the past to life.
At the upper courtyard, the chapel sits near the east side of the castle and still shows traces of its original layout. Though the roof is gone, parts of the altar and stone walls remain. It once served as a place of worship for Crusader knights stationed here. Standing inside the ruins, you can picture how sacred rites were held under candlelight centuries ago.
Scattered throughout the lower levels are large rooms once used for storing food, weapons, and tools. Deep niches and vaulted ceilings kept the supplies cool and dry. Some of these rooms also acted as bakeries and armories. Today, they offer insight into the castle’s self-sufficient design, where every space served a purpose in times of war or siege.
Kerak Castle holds many secrets underground. These tunnels and dungeons were built for escape, defense, and hiding what mattered most. One of the most gripping paths is the Tunnel of Saladin. Legend says his troops dug this narrow tunnel to sneak into the fortress. It leads to a hidden exit far from the main gate. Walking through it today feels like stepping into a forgotten battle plan. Nearby is the Dungeon of Reynald. It’s a dark, airless room, said to be where Reynald de Chatillon, the feared Crusader lord, was held before Saladin executed him.
Head to the top of Kerak Castle and you’ll find the upper battlements, once the main defense line against invading forces. You can see across the Wadi Al Karak, with its winding roads and stone villages below. On a clear day, you can see the Dead Sea to the west. These high walls are lined with arrow slits, which Crusader archers used to fire on approaching enemies without exposing themselves. The stone paths here are narrow, and some parts still show marks from battle and time.
Located in the lower court of the castle, the Al Karak Archaeological Museum adds depth to your visit. It opened in 1980 and now sits inside a vaulted hall used by Mamluk soldiers. The museum offers a clear look at the region’s past, from the Neolithic era to the late Islamic period. Inside, you’ll find artifacts from nearby sites like Bāb Adh Dhra’, known for Bronze Age burials, and Buseirah, rich in Iron Age items. The museum also displays Byzantine glassware, carved inscriptions, and pieces from Roman and Nabataean settlements in Rabbah and Qasr.
The best seasons to visit Kerak Castle are spring and autumn. From March to May, the skies are clear, and the weather is mild. September to November also has pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds. French travelers in Jordan should avoid visiting during mid-summer unless you can handle extreme heat. Winter is usually okay, but rain can happen. Roads stay open, but bring a light jacket or umbrella just in case.
For the best experience, start your trip early in the day. Depart from Amman or Madaba in the morning to avoid the hottest hours. The site has little shade, so bring a hat or an umbrella. Leave Kerak before dark and watch the sunset glow, which is perfect for photos.
A Kerak Castle road trip offers Turkish travelers history, views, and culture all in one stop. The castle’s deep roots in Crusader and Islamic history make it one of the most fascinating places in the country. The experience is even better when you travel on your own terms. For a smooth journey, consider renting a car with Finalrentals. We offer flexible pick-up points, free cancellation, and clear pricing with no hidden fees.
