Werdenfels Castle Ruins, Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany

The ruins of Werdenfels Castle stand about 80 metres above the Loisach valley between Garmisch and Farchant. The castle ruins are freely accessible and are a popular hiking destination with a good view of Garmisch-Partenkirchen and the Wetterstein Mountains.

The castle was probably built between 1180 and 1230. Its owner and the purpose of the original fortification are also unknown. In 1249, ownership of the fortress was transferred to the Prince-Bishopric of Freising. In 1294 Count Berthold III of Eschenlohe gave the Bishopric part of his county and was appointed as the castle guardian. After the creation of Freising territory, the County of Werdenfels, the castle served as the administrative and jurdical centre.

In the 15th century, Freising had to enfeoff the castle several times due to financial difficulties. The structural condition of the castle seems to have deteriorated to the beginning of the 17th century such that the governor's seat was moved in 1632 into a new administrative building on the Wang. From 1676 the fortress was exploited as a quarry. For example, numerous stone blocks from castle were re-used for the new baroque parish churches of Farchant and Garmisch.

As part of the seizure of church land in the Napoleonic era, the castle and county went to the Kingdom of Bavaria. In 1822 the Bavarian privy council, Ignaz von Rudhart, acquired the ruins, since when it has been privately owned.

In 1905-06, the walls were secured and partially rebuilt. After the tops of the walls were secured in 1961/63, further restoration finally began in 1986; this has continued sporadically since.

References:

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User Reviews

Andie Wolfe (3 years ago)
I stopped here on the way to Linderhof from Munich and this ruine became the highlight of my day! The hike requires some stamina, but is not horribly difficult. I highly recommend continuing down to the Wasserfall Burgruine Werdenfels. The stairs down were a bit treacherous after a heavy rain yesterday, so proceed with caution.

sonya schoepf (5 years ago)
Beautiful place and lovely views from top of castle

Donald Breisch (5 years ago)
Nice view of all around Garmisch, easy walk from the closed parking places.

Rune Fick Hansen (5 years ago)
The ruins are beautifully placed on the mountain giving a perfect view of the valley. From the parking lot at Pfleger See (Berggasthof Pflegersee) you can walk to the ruins through the forest in 20-30 minutes. It’s an easy walk – just up and down some small hills. On the way you can find different information boards telling about the castles history (I think the first board is right at Pfleger See). After the tour you can take a swim in Pfleger See and eat at the Berggasthof. Menu, quality and prices are medium but fair.

Chananart Chivapruk (5 years ago)
Beautiful and nice castle ruins in Garmisch-Partenkirchen. I came to the trail head by public bus, then hiked for 30 minutes or so to the castle ruins. The ruins are wonderful and this spot is calm and peaceful. It is perfect for hikers. The views from the top is awesome. I came on a sunny day in Autumn, the scenery is amazing. Recommended to nature lovers.

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