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Falkenstein Castle or Castrum Pfronten is a High Middle Ages castle ruin in the Bavarian Alps, near Pfronten, a town in southern Germany. The ruin's German name is Burg Falkenstein ("Castle Falcon Stone"). At 1,268 meters above sea level, it is Germany's most elevated castle ruin. Originally known as Castrum Pfronten, 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. In winter the castle was uninhabitable because of the high altitude at which it is located. 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 planned to transform the site into a magnificent fairy tale schloss (formerly schloß). The plans were abandoned upon his death in 1886.

Falkenstein Castle

Falkenstein Castle or Castrum Pfronten is a High Middle Ages castle ruin in the Bavarian Alps, near…

The ancestral home of Conrad of Hohenzollern and the third castle constructed on the site. The castle stands today, and was constructed by King Friedrich Wilhelm IV between 1846 and 1867. It is located in the Suabian Alps.

Castle of Hohenzollern

The ancestral home of Conrad of Hohenzollern and the third castle constructed on the site. The castle…

Eisgrub, now Lednice, a village in the Czech Republic. It contains a palace and the largest park in the country. The park is laid out in an English garden style and includes the artificial ruins of a medieval castle on the bank of the Thaya/Dyje River.

Castle Eisgrub

Eisgrub, now Lednice, a village in the Czech Republic. It contains a palace and the largest park in…

A landmark of Heidelberg, the castle ruins are among the most important Renaissance structures north of the Alps. The castle has only been partially rebuilt since its demolition in the 17th and 18th centuries. It is served by an intermediate station on the Heidelberger Bergbahn funicular railway that runs from Heidelberg's Kornmarkt to the summit of the Königstuhl. The earliest castle structure was built before 1214 and later expanded into two castles circa 1294; however, in 1537, a lightning-bolt destroyed the upper castle. The present structures had been expanded by 1650, before damage by later wars and fires. In 1764, another lightning-bolt destroyed some rebuilt sections.

Entrance to Heidelberg Castle

A landmark of Heidelberg, the castle ruins are among the most important Renaissance structures north…

Interior view of Heidelberg Castle with elaborately carved doorway and part of a courtyard.

Interior of Heidelberg Castle

Interior view of Heidelberg Castle with elaborately carved doorway and part of a courtyard.

View of the castle framed by an arch. A landmark of Heidelberg, the castle ruins are among the most important Renaissance structures north of the Alps. The castle has only been partially rebuilt since its demolition in the 17th and 18th centuries. It is served by an intermediate station on the Heidelberger Bergbahn funicular railway that runs from Heidelberg's Kornmarkt to the summit of the Königstuhl. The earliest castle structure was built before 1214 and later expanded into two castles circa 1294; however, in 1537, a lightning-bolt destroyed the upper castle. The present structures had been expanded by 1650, before damage by later wars and fires. In 1764, another lightning-bolt destroyed some rebuilt sections.

Heidelberg Castle Viewed from Terrace

View of the castle framed by an arch. A landmark of Heidelberg, the castle ruins are among the most…