Wernstein Castle, Mainleus, Germany

Wernstein Castle was built between 1362 and 1376 to replace a previous destroyed structure. It was first mentioned in a document when Heinrich von Künsberg endowed the chapel in Veitlahm with the provision that the local clergy should read weekly masses 'at Wernstein.' The castle has been continuously owned by the von Künsberg family since then. It was a fief of the Burggraves of Nuremberg, and the first recorded feudal letter dates back to January 20, 1395, when Ulrich von Künsberg was granted 'Wernstein the fortress and the enclosure' by Burggraf Johann III. In the 16th century, Hans Friedrich von Künsberg transformed the castle into a magnificent Renaissance palace. The castle suffered damage during the Thirty Years' War but was later repaired. Wernstein Castle is considered one of the most beautiful hilltop castles in the Franconian region. It is still inhabited by the descendants of its builders and is not open to the public for visits.

User Reviews

Reda Albarram (2 years ago)
Super

Peter Erlebach (Zuckerbeck) (2 years ago)
We were traveling by motorbike to a very nice little castle with a very well-kept inner courtyard during the week. Unfortunately the castle is privately owned and you can only visit the inner courtyard. Definitely worth a stop

Stefan (3 years ago)
One of the few castles in Germany that is completely privately owned. Not publicly accessible. A part can be rented for celebrations.

andrzej ZAWADA (3 years ago)
Amazing

Oliver Beckert (3 years ago)
Super nice and well-kept private castle complex.. When the main gate is open, visitors are allowed into the first courtyard. There are donkeys and Scottish highland cattle and a peacock and golden pheasants to admire. A super nice and friendly lady of the castle, who even allowed us to climb the stairs to the second courtyard and take a quick look at the castle complex.. A very nice experience to be able to see such a friendly encounter and such a well-preserved and well-kept castle complex.. ??

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Photo from Flickr, copyright Infomastern

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There is not much left of the original interior. The font is made of local red marble in the 13th century. The pulpit was made in Lübeck in 1684. There are 400 graves under the church floor.

Wernstein Castle

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