Bärenfels castle, previously known as Steinegg, is located at the entrance to the Wehra valley above Wehr, high up In the Hotzenwald hill. It was built by Vasolt family in 1323-1330. In the 13th century the castle probably passed into the possession of the Barons of Schönau. Later, the ownership passed on to the Markgrafen (earls) von Hachberg They, in turn, let the castle to the Barons of Bärenfels, knights from Basel, after whom the castle is named today. Since the end of the 19th century the Schwarzwaldverein (Black Forest hiking club) has renovated the castle ruins and opened it for visitors. From the top of the tower, which is visible from afar, you can enjoy a great view of the Swiss Jura, the Dinkelberg and the Wiesental.
References:The Beckov castle stands on a steep 50 m tall rock in the village Beckov. The dominance of the rock and impression of invincibility it gaves, challenged our ancestors to make use of these assets. The result is a remarkable harmony between the natural setting and architecture.
The castle first mentioned in 1200 was originally owned by the King and later, at the end of the 13th century it fell in hands of Matúš Èák. Its owners alternated - at the end of the 14th century the family of Stibor of Stiborice bought it.
The next owners, the Bánffys who adapted the Gothic castle to the Renaissance residence, improved its fortifications preventing the Turks from conquering it at the end of the 16th century. When Bánffys died out, the castle was owned by several noble families. It fell in decay after fire in 1729.
The history of the castle is the subject of different legends.