Rabeneck Castle, Waischenfeld, Germany

Rabeneck Castle (Burg Rabeneck) is a former high mediaeval aristocratic castle which stands high above the valley of the Wiesent in the Upper Franconian district of Bayreuth in the German state of Bavaria.

A branch of the Rabensteins built the castle before 1200 as an allodial castle, and named a cadet line of the family after it.

In the Peasants' War the castle fell victim in 1525 to rebellious peasants, who captured it and burned it out. Alexander Stiebar zu Rabeneck was given 485 guilders and Christoph Stiebar, who owned the other half of the castle, 554 guilders as recompense. Its rebuilding lasted until 1535.

In the early 17th century Rabenstein Castle was already being described as dilapidated. The Rabensteins sold the castle in 1620 after the death of George for 36,000 guilders to the Bishopric of Bamberg. As a result of renewed financial difficulties in the bishopric, Bishop John Godfrey of Aschhausen had to advance the money on loan, the castle remained an inheritable possession until the bishopric could pay back the money. Rabeneck was still in the possession of the Aschhausens until 1682.

In 1975 the castle was sold to its present occupant, Norman Schiller. The castle may currently be visited and overnight stays are possible. Festivals may also be organised by prior arrangement.

Nearby are the ruins of Waischenfeld Castle and, to the east, Rabenstein Castle, which was probably the family seat of the Rabenecks, who belonged to the family of ministeriales the House of Rabenstein.

References:

Wikipedia

User Reviews

Jutta Koch (5 months ago)
We were there on a Saturday at the end of November, so unfortunately we only saw it from the outside, including the interesting walk around the castle.

Martin Mohr (9 months ago)
Special place for an overnight stay in a real castle. Nice owners who care for their castle with heart and soul

G G (2 years ago)
A small, beautiful castle. Beautiful hikes and a great view. 3 rooms with overnight stays, weddings and birthday parties. Stop by and let the romantic atmosphere convince you.

t0m (2 years ago)
I'm only rating the castle from the outside here, I haven't seen it from the inside. The castle is a bit out of the way, but is easy to reach by car. It looks quite nice from the outside and even has its own chapel where you could open the door and look inside. It is a hotel where you can also rent a room. Unfortunately, I can't say more about that, as only seen from the outside, as I said.

Karl-Heinz Kemper (4 years ago)
Top

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Photo from Flickr, copyright murphygb

Historic Site of the week

Clickimin Broch

The Broch of Clickimin is a large and well preserved, though somewhat restored broch near Lerwick. Originally built on an island in Clickimin Loch (now increased in size by silting and drainage), it was approached by a stone causeway. The water-level in the loch was reduced in 1874, leaving the broch high and dry. The broch is situated within a walled enclosure and, unusually for brochs, features a large 'blockhouse' between the opening in the enclosure and the broch itself. Another unusual feature is a stone slab featuring sculptured footprints, located in the causeway which approached the site. Situated across the loch is the Clickimin Leisure Centre.

Rabeneck Castle

Address

Details

More Information

Rating

Interesting Sites Nearby

User Reviews

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Finest Norman castles in Italy

Exploring the History of Northern Poland

Discovering Slovenia's Historic Wonders

Historic Site of the week

Clickimin Broch