Top 20 Castles around Hohenburg
Best castles around Hohenburg offer a diverse historical landscape, ranging from medieval strongholds to Baroque palaces. The region features several distinct Hohenburg locations, each with unique architectural styles and historical significance. These sites provide insights into centuries of European history, from early medieval foundations to 18th-century noble residences. With more than 20 castles listed in the area, visitors can explore a rich tapestry of cultural heritage.
Best castles around Hohenburg
- The most popular castles is Hohenburg Castle Ruins, a castle that was built around 1000 as a border county. It is one of the oldest castle foundations in the Upper Palatinate and offers a very nice view.
- Another must-see spot is Schweppermannsburg castle ruins, Pfaffenhofen, a castle ruin with origins that are obscure, but parts were given to a son of Seyfried Schweppermann in the 14th century. The outer bailey is freely accessible, and the site features a massive donjon and a broad barn.
- Visitors also love Rossstein Castle Ruins, a castle ruin located in the lonely Taubenbacher Forest. The main castle consists of a large, almost rectangular residential tower with a vaulted basement and two spacious upper floors.
- Hohenburg is known for medieval strongholds, Baroque palaces, and historic castle ruins. Visitors can explore a variety of castles, from well-preserved structures to sites that offer glimpses into their past through remaining foundations and walls.
- The castles around Hohenburg are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 500 upvotes and more than 200 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
Oberes Schloss Schmidmühlen (Town Hall)
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Schmidmühlen is a recognized climatic health resort. Here you will find cozy overnight accommodations and a good selection of inns.
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Kastl Monastery Castle
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Schweppermannsburg castle ruins, Pfaffenhofen
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After extensive renovation by the Bavarian state, the castle complex has been under the administration of the Amberg Section of the German Alpine Club since 1965 and serves as a youth and hiking base.
The outer bailey of the Schweppermannsburg is freely accessible at all times, the main castle with the keep is usually not accessible.
If you want to take a look inside, you should contact the Amberg section of the German Alpine Club. Here you can also find out the date for the annual castle festival (usually in May or June) with a field fair and subsequent catering.
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Hohenburg Castle Ruins
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Rossstein Castle Ruins
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Roßstein is located near Schmidmühlen and Hohenburg in the middle of the lonely Taubenbacher Forest.
Chunrad Oerelheimer named himself after the castle for the first time in 1331, so he could be the builder. At that time it was conveniently located on the Bistumer Steig, a trade route from the Eger region. In 1357 the castle came to Rüdiger Punzinger, who was in the service of the Wittelsbach Count Palatine, as a dowry to a daughter of Konrad.
Rüdiger made a career and became a nurse in Hohenfels around 1375. After his death, his brother Georg Punzinger succeeded him in 1381 - a pugnacious spirit. He came into conflict with the city of Regensburg around 1400: Apparently he housed shady rabble in his castle, who had repeatedly attacked Regensburg merchants on the street. In the course of this feud, the castle was set on fire by the Regensburgers in 1411, but was rebuilt by Andreas Punzinger. Nevertheless, the Punzinger did not lose their important position.
However, the family gradually loses interest in the now remote Roßstein Castle. The Counts Palatine want to buy Roßstein back from the last Punzinger named Mathes, but he refuses. After his death, Roßstein was only inspected by a forester from the Palatinate. In 1550 it caught fire due to carelessness. Lienhart Spieß, appointed as administrator in 1563, no longer renews it, but resides in the Spießhof, which still exists today, at the foot of the castle hill. Since then decay up to our days, around 2000 securing of the remains.
The main castle consists of a large, almost rectangular residential tower made of quarry stone. The corners are made of ashlars, one can even find a few hump ashlars. The residential tower has a vaulted basement, a low ground floor with light slits and two spacious upper floors with windows and two head-high, vaulted entrances. Access to the east could be blocked with a locking bar.
Even if the castle ruins are rather small, a visit is worthwhile, especially if you combine it with a hike through the beautiful Taubenbach valley and the lonely Taubenbach forest. Far away from major roads, the Upper Palatinate Jura can be experienced in a unique way.
Source: Excerpts from Burgen-seite.de
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An old hilltop castle, long used as a monastery by various religious orders. Today it houses the police academy. It lies on a dolomite spur above the valley. This is also where the "Hochholz Trail" begins, which is not to be missed.
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The Kastl castle complex has towered over the Lauterach Valley since the 10th century. In 1098, it was decided to convert the castle into a monastery. Description: It was founded in 1103, and the choir and St. Egidius Chapel were consecrated in 1129. Construction of the monastery church was completed at the end of the 12th century. Through constant renovations and expansions, the church acquired its present appearance. In 1782, it became the property of the Knights of Malta. The basilica has been used as a parish church since 1808. A late Gothic main portal, a four-bay barrel vault, the alternating support of columns and pillars in the nave, and the Gothic stone tomb in the vestibule, which was once the tomb of the deceased Princess Anna, make the church a true gem. Princess Anna was the daughter of King Ludwig the Bavarian and died in 1319. The mummy of the one-and-a-half-year-old "Kastl Child" was preserved until the end of 2013 and can be viewed again. The antechamber also houses the sarcophagus of General Schweppermann. [ Source: https://www.ostbayern-tourismus.de/attraktionen/klosterburg-kastl-fd22a56fae ]
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Very beautiful monastery castle currently serves as a police training center
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Great monastery castle with an amazing view - be sure to take the small juniper hiking trail!
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The Schweppermannsburg (also called Pfaffenhofen Castle) is a castle ruin in Pfaffenhofen, a district of the market town of Kastl (Lauterachtal) in the Upper Palatinate district of Amberg-Sulzbach in Bavaria. The complex is listed as an archaeological monument under the file number D-3-6635-0121 in the Bavaria Atlas as "archaeological findings in the area of the castle ruin "Schweppermannsburg" in Pfaffenhofen, hilltop settlements from the late Hallstatt/early La Tène period and the early Middle Ages". It is also listed as a listed building monument in Pfaffenhofen under the file number D-3-71-132-63. The outer bailey of the spur castle is freely accessible at all times, the main castle with the keep is not. The construction time of the complex is undated. Excavations in 2004 showed extensive building work in the 13th century and a few ceramic finds from the castle area indicate settlement activity as early as the 9th/10th - 11th/12th centuries. Pfaffenhofen was part of the original equipment of the Kastl monastery and has a settlement continuity that probably goes back to the 8th/9th century. Pfaffenhofen Castle was first mentioned in a document in the House Contract of Pavia in 1329, in which half of the complex went to the Duke of Bavaria, Ludwig the Bavarian. From 1335 to 1352, Hartung the Schweppermann, a son of Seyfried Schweppermann, can be proven to have been (partially) the owner of the castle. At the end of the 14th century, Ulrich the Sweppermann finally appears as the lord of the castle. The Schweppermann family subsequently gave the castle its name. In the 17th century, the complex was destroyed by Swedish troops during the Thirty Years' War and then hastily rebuilt. The castle complex fell into disrepair in the early 19th century and was only included in a renovation plan towards the end of the 20th century. Since October 24, 2007, the castle has been owned by the chairman of the Amberg section of the German Alpine Association, who purchased it from the Free State of Bavaria Source: Wikipedia
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Kastl Abbey Castle is the largely preserved hilltop castle and later Kastl Monastery, located on a long dolomite peak above the Lauterach Valley, high above Kastl in the Amberg-Sulzbach district of Bavaria. It is listed as an architectural monument under the file number D-3-71-132-21. "Archaeological findings from the Middle Ages and the early modern period in the area of the former Benedictine Abbey of Kastl" are also listed as an archaeological monument under the file number D-3-6636-0070. The castle complex was probably founded in the Carolingian period. In 954, Margrave Luitpold of Austria is said to have received Kastl Castle as a fief. In the same year, Luitpold owned the entire Heubischgau region, including Kastl, Habsberg, Illschwang, and Sulzbach. In 1098, the castle had three owners: Count Berengar of Sulzbach, Frederick I of Habsberg-Kastl with his son Count Otto of Habsberg-Kastl, and Luitgard of Zähringen, wife of Margrave Diepold II of Vohburg. Between 1098 and 1102, the owners agreed to convert the castle into a Benedictine monastery.[1] On May 12, 1102, Pope Paschal II confirmed the founding of the monastery. Source: Wikipedia
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The Schweppermannburg - high above the Lauterach near Pfaffenhofen
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The Schweppermsnnburg towers high above Pfaffenhofen.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What types of castles can I explore around Hohenburg?
The Hohenburg region offers a diverse range of castles, from medieval strongholds and historic castle ruins to Baroque palaces. You can find sites like the ancient Hohenburg Castle Ruins, which dates back to around 1000, or the more modern Baroque
Schloss Hohenburg in Lenggries, Bavaria, built in the 18th century. Each offers a unique glimpse into centuries of European history and architectural styles.
Are there any castles with significant historical importance in the area?
Yes, several castles boast rich histories. The Hohenburg Castle Ruins are one of the oldest castle foundations in the Upper Palatinate. Another notable site is Schweppermannsburg castle ruins, Pfaffenhofen, which has connections to the famous field captain Seyfried Schweppermann from the 14th century and was destroyed during the Thirty Years' War. The Hohenburg Castle in Homburg, Saarland, evolved from a 12th-century stronghold to a Renaissance palace and was fortified by Louis XIV.
Which castles offer the best views of the surrounding landscape?
Many castles in the Hohenburg area provide excellent viewpoints. The Hohenburg Castle Ruins are known for their very nice views over the region. Kastl Monastery Castle, perched on a long dolomite peak, also offers scenic vistas of the Lauterach Valley. Additionally, the Hohenburg Castle in Homburg, Saarland, provides stunning views from its strategic location atop the Schlossberg.
Are there family-friendly castles to visit around Hohenburg?
Yes, several castles are suitable for families. Oberes Schloss Schmidmühlen (Town Hall) is listed as family-friendly and is now home to the town hall, making it easily accessible. Kastl Monastery Castle is also categorized as family-friendly, offering a renovated site with historical interest.
What outdoor activities can I do near these castles?
The area around Hohenburg is excellent for outdoor enthusiasts. You can find numerous routes for road cycling, running, and hiking. For example, there are moderate hiking trails like the "View of Allersburg Church – Hohenburg Castle Ruins loop from Hohenburg" or the "Jurafelsen Rock Formation – Jura rocks near Adertshausen loop." You can explore more options on the Hiking around Hohenburg guide, Road Cycling Routes around Hohenburg guide, or Running Trails around Hohenburg guide.
Are there hiking trails that lead to or past the castles?
Absolutely. Many hiking trails incorporate the castles into their routes. For instance, the "View of Allersburg Church – Hohenburg Castle Ruins loop from Hohenburg" is a moderate 11.6 km hike. Another option is the "Hohenburg Castle Ruins – Jurafelsen Rock Formation loop from Hohenburg," which is a moderate 9.9 km trail. These routes allow you to combine historical exploration with scenic walks.
Which castles are wheelchair accessible?
Oberes Schloss Schmidmühlen (Town Hall) is listed as wheelchair accessible, making it a good option for visitors with mobility needs. This castle now functions as the town hall, offering easy access to its historical premises.
What amenities or facilities are available near the castles?
Some castles offer nearby amenities. Oberes Schloss Schmidmühlen (Town Hall) has parking and facilities, including an e-bike charging station. Kastl Monastery Castle features a cafe. The Hohenburg Castle Ruins in Homberg (Efze), Hesse, also have a restaurant in the outer bailey.
What do visitors enjoy most about the castles around Hohenburg?
Visitors particularly appreciate the historical depth and the scenic beauty. Many enjoy the expansive views from sites like the Hohenburg Castle Ruins. The unique features, such as the deep well at Hohenburg Castle Ruins in Homberg (Efze), Hesse, and the architectural evolution of places like Hohenburg Castle in Homburg, Saarland, also captivate visitors. The komoot community has shared over 200 photos and given more than 500 upvotes for these castles.
Can I visit the interior of all castle ruins?
Access varies by site. For example, the outer bailey of the Schweppermannsburg castle ruins, Pfaffenhofen, is freely accessible, but the main castle with the keep is usually not. If you wish to see inside, you might need to contact the local administration, such as the Amberg Section of the German Alpine Club for Schweppermannsburg. Other ruins, like Rossstein Castle Ruins, are largely open for exploration of their remaining structures.
Are there any unique natural features near the castles?
Yes, the region combines historical sites with natural beauty. The Rossstein Castle Ruins are located in the lonely Taubenbacher Forest, offering a chance to experience the Upper Palatinate Jura. Hohenburg Castle Ruins in Homberg (Efze), Hesse, are situated on a basalt cone, providing a distinct geological backdrop. The Lauterach Valley, where Kastl Monastery Castle is located, is also known for its scenic beauty.
What is the best time of year to visit the castles around Hohenburg?
While specific seasonal recommendations for all castles are not provided, generally, spring and autumn offer pleasant weather for exploring ruins and hiking the surrounding trails. These seasons typically avoid the extreme heat of summer and the potential snow and ice of winter, making outdoor activities more enjoyable. However, some castles, like Hohenburg Castle Ruins in Homberg (Efze), Hesse, are used for events year-round, suggesting they can be visited in various seasons.
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