Falkenstein Castle Ruins, Pfronten, Germany

Falkenstein Castle is located at 1,268 metres above sea level and it is Germany's highest located castle. The stone castle was built approximately 1270–1280 by Count Meinhard II von Tirol on the borders of his land (Tyrol). Because of the unusual situation of the castle it has been interpreted in historical context as a symbol of opposition to the Duchy of Bavaria. The name Castle Falkenstein only came into use in the 15th century. The castle was largely destroyed in the 17th century.

King Ludwig II of Bavaria purchased the ruin in 1883 and commissioned several architects, the first being Christian Jank (the designer of Neuschwanstein), to replace the existing structure with a romantic castle. Jank first created a restrained design, but later envisioned the castle in a dramatic, High Gothic style. Georg Dollmann was employed to produce plans and elevations in the same year based on Jank's design. However, his modest and economical designs displeased Ludwig.

Ludwig died in 1886 before work on the castle proper could begin, and the many plans for Falkenstein were permanently abandoned. The ruin of Castrum Pfronten on the building site was never demolished.

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User Reviews

Anita Tárnoki (4 years ago)
The walking way is horrible (road with cars or dangerous natural way(depends on the weather also)). The Hotel service was super unfriendly and we had to wait 30 mins for a mega salty soup. Worst soup ever. Non of the binoculars which are working with coins funcioned. The view is awesome but not worth the car ticket price or the walk. They are way better places nerby. Highly not recommended with smaller child

Debbie Keck (4 years ago)
We really enjoyed ourselves walking around looking at the beautiful view, we had great weather. Our lunch was also very good.

Poulastya Mukherjee (4 years ago)
If you want an overview of Bavaria's beauty, this is one hike you must take. Highly recommended for everyone!

TH3 TR/\V1R (5 years ago)
Great place for a good view over the whole area. It's also a nice hike in the mountains. The ruins are in top of the hill and quite impressive considering the castle needed to be built by hand without any machinery back then.

Sachin Kalakeri (5 years ago)
View from up here is good. Nothing much left of the castle just the 4 walls.

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Photo from Flickr, copyright Klearchos Kapoutsis

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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.

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The history of the castle is the subject of different legends.

Falkenstein Castle Ruins

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