Top 20 Castles in the Bavarian Forest
Best castles in the Bavarian Forest are found in a picturesque region in southeastern Germany, home to historical castles and ruins. This area offers a glimpse into centuries past through its impressive fortresses. The landscape features wooded hills and river valleys, providing a natural setting for these historical sites. The region's castles are often situated on elevated positions, offering views of the surrounding area.
Best castles in the Bavarian Forest
- The most popular castles is Schellenberg Castle Ruins and Observation Tower, a castle ruin that was built in 1347 to repel raids from Bohemia. Located at 826 meters, it is the highest vantage point in the Upper Palatinate.
- Another must-see spot is Kürnburg Castle Ruins, castle ruins built in 1354. It features extensive remains of its gate tower, battery tower, walls, chapel, and palace. A freely accessible observation tower provides views over the Regental valley.
- Visitors also love Altnußberg Castle Ruins, castle ruins offering a historical site. The site includes a castle tavern.
- Bavarian Forest is known for castle ruins, fortresses, and moated castles. The region offers a variety of historical structures to see and explore, from well-preserved complexes to extensive ruins.
- The castles in the Bavarian Forest are appreciated by the komoot community. The guide features 145 highlights with more than 1200 photos and over 900 upvotes from visitors.
Last updated: May 25, 2026
Schwarzenburg Castle Ruins
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Schellenberg Castle Ruins and Observation Tower
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Leuchtenberg Castle Ruins
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In summer, the largest open-air theater in Eastern Bavaria takes place in the romantic courtyard.
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Altnußberg Castle Ruins
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Kürnburg Castle Ruins
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Tips from the Community
A beautiful and well-preserved ruin. Signs on the walls indicate its former function. From the palace there is a beautiful view of the complex and the surrounding area.
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In 1347, Emperor Ludwig the Bavarian had Schellenberg Castle, which was then called "Lug ins Land", built to protect against attacks from Bohemia. On July 12, 1498, the castle was stormed under the leadership of Captain Konrad von Wirsberg, who was in the service of the Margrave of Brandenburg. The castle was partially destroyed. Their owner, Knight Moritz von Guttenberg, was captured. The castle was never rebuilt.
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Kürnberg Castle Ruins The Kürnberg ruins are hidden on a wooded hill about a kilometer northeast of Stamsried. The Kürners originally come from the town of Kürn, which lies between Regensburg and Nittenau. In 1346, Dietrich II received Stamsried as a fief from Count Palatine Ruprecht II and subsequently shifted the focus of his rule there. The land probably originally belonged to the Bishop of Bamberg, whose bailiffs were the Palatines in this area. In 1354, Dietrich received permission to build Kürnberg Castle on the Heitberg near Stamsried, and from then on he and his descendants called themselves Kürner von Kürnberg. They sold their home castle to the Paulsdorfers in 1394. Other Kürners subsequently appeared again and again as cathedral canons in Regensburg. In 1422, Hans Kürner was the last person to live in Kürnberg. He sold the castle to Ulrich Warberger in 1423. In 1499, the castle came to Ludwig von Habsberg, who had it expanded once again for the use of firearms. In 1532, the Murachers took over, but they later stopped living in Kürnberg. In 1634, during the Thirty Years' War, the Swedes conquered Stamsried and besieged and destroyed the castle. Since then, it has been abandoned, and the seat of power has moved to Strahlfeld. At the end of the 1970s, extensive security measures were taken on the castle ruins. Kürnberg is one of the most recently founded castles in the wider area. Its state of preservation is rare in the Upper Palatinate: extensive remains of the walls of the gate tower, battery tower, wall, chapel, wall towers and palace have been preserved. There is no keep, which is typical of a castle of the late Middle Ages. The tower-like palace took over the role of the last point of refuge. The beautiful location, the unique view from the palace and the good state of preservation make Kürnberg an ideal destination. The area is ideal for hikes, and a forest adventure trail leads around the castle hill. There is a fireplace in the courtyard of the outer bailey. Source: www.burgenseite.de
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Great area for hiking and biking. Beautiful view from the tower.
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The Kürnberg castle ruins, also known as Kürnburg or Kirnberg, are the ruins of a hilltop castle at 571 m above sea level. NN high Haidberg about 1000 meters northeast of the market town of Stamsried in the district of Cham in Bavaria. The castle ruins with viewing platform are freely accessible.
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Nice resting place and nice view from the tower
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A very nice place with a beautiful view!
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Frequently Asked Questions
What types of historical sites can I explore in the Bavarian Forest?
The Bavarian Forest features a variety of historical sites, including well-preserved castle complexes, extensive ruins, and even moated castles. These range from formidable fortresses like Veste Oberhaus to romantic ruins such as Leuchtenberg Castle, offering a glimpse into centuries of regional history.
Which castles in the Bavarian Forest offer the best panoramic views?
For breathtaking views, consider visiting Schellenberg Castle Ruins and Observation Tower, which is the highest vantage point in the Upper Palatinate at 826 meters. The Kürnburg Castle Ruins also provide fantastic views over the Regental valley from its observation tower. Additionally, Veste Oberhaus in Passau offers panoramic views of the city and the confluence of the Danube, Inn, and Ilz rivers.
Are there family-friendly castles to visit in the Bavarian Forest?
Yes, several castles are suitable for families. The Kürnburg Castle Ruins are easily accessible even for children, and a forest adventure trail surrounds the castle hill. Schwarzenburg Castle Ruins also offers a well-maintained site with a viewing platform and a cozy mountain lodge, making it enjoyable for all ages.
What kind of natural attractions are near the castles?
Many castles are nestled within the scenic landscape of the Bavarian Forest. For example, the Schellenberg Castle Ruins are known for their remarkable fauna and flora due to the harsh climate. The Kürnburg Castle Ruins are situated on a wooded hill, offering a natural setting for exploration. The region itself is characterized by wooded hills and river valleys.
Can I find hiking trails near the castles in the Bavarian Forest?
Absolutely. Many castles are integrated into hiking networks. The Kürnburg Castle Ruins are surrounded by a forest adventure trail. Donaustauf Castle is part of the 30-kilometer-long Donaustaufer Burgensteig (Castle Trail), connecting over 40 castles. For more hiking options, you can explore guides like Waterfall hikes in the Bavarian Forest or Easy hikes in the Bavarian Forest.
What facilities are available at or near the castle sites?
Some castle sites offer amenities for visitors. For instance, Altnußberg Castle Ruins features a castle tavern with a beer garden. Schwarzenburg Castle Ruins has a cozy mountain lodge with a beer garden, open during specific seasons. Veste Oberhaus includes a museum, art gallery, restaurant, and even a youth hostel.
What is the best time of year to visit the castles in the Bavarian Forest?
The summer months are popular, especially for sites like Leuchtenberg Castle Ruins, which hosts the largest open-air theater in Eastern Bavaria during this time. However, many castles, like Schwarzenburg Castle Ruins, can be visited all year round, with facilities like mountain lodges having specific seasonal opening hours.
Are there any castles with museums or cultural events?
Yes, Veste Oberhaus in Passau houses a museum and an art gallery, offering collections on the history of Eastern Bavaria, Bohemia, and Austria. Leuchtenberg Castle Ruins is known for hosting the largest open-air theater in Eastern Bavaria in its romantic courtyard during the summer. Obernzell Castle, a former moated castle, now serves as a ceramic museum.
Which castles are particularly significant historically?
Veste Oberhaus, founded in 1219, is one of Europe's largest and best-preserved castle complexes, serving as a stronghold for the Bishop of Passau. Leuchtenberg Castle Ruins, first mentioned in 1124, is considered one of the most important and well-preserved complexes in the Upper Palatinate. Donaustauf Castle has a rich history dating back to a Celtic fort around 500 BC, with the first castle built between 914 and 930 AD.
Can I combine a castle visit with other outdoor activities like gravel biking?
Yes, the Bavarian Forest offers diverse outdoor activities. While visiting castles, you can also explore nearby routes for gravel biking. For example, you can find routes in the Gravel biking in the Bavarian Forest guide, which features options ranging from moderate to difficult.
Are there any lesser-known or 'hidden gem' castles worth exploring?
While the guide focuses on popular sites, the region has many ruins that offer a more secluded experience. The Schellenberg Castle Ruins are described as an insider tip for hikers and nature lovers, offering a glimpse into its past as 'Lug ins Land' (Look into the Country) from its elevated position.
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