Best castles around Ammerthal are found in the Upper Palatinate region of Bavaria, an area rich in historical landscapes and cultural significance. The municipality of Ammerthal itself is home to Schloss Ammerthal, a Renaissance castle constructed in 1590, which replaced an older medieval structure. This region provides a factual glimpse into centuries of architectural development and local history.
Last updated: May 14, 2026
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Moos Castle Moos was the seat of the noble family of Moos. Otto von Moß is mentioned as a witness in documents in 1121, Hermann von Moße in 1126, Otto von Mose in 1166, and Friedrich Mosaer in 1190. The service in which this family served and their coat of arms are unknown. Presumably, there was no stone manor at that time, but rather a motte-and-bailey castle built on a hill. The Moos family appears until the end of the 12th century, after which their trail disappears. In the first half of the 14th century, Moos was already a Hofmark (a type of manor). The Nortweiner family, who were wealthy landowners in the area, are mentioned as its owners. In the mid-15th century, Moos came into the possession of Jörg Kastner; the subsequent ownership history is unclear. The estate moved to the center of Bavarian history when Elector Maximilian had the city of Amberg surrendered to him at Moos Castle on October 8, 1621, after the Battle of White Mountain. Thus, the estate reverted from the Electorate of the Palatinate to Bavaria. Due to heavy debt, the estate passed to the government in Amberg, and various owners followed. In 1904, all the property belonging to the castle was demolished. A year later, Leonhard Bernreuther acquired the castle and renovated it in exemplary fashion. It then passed to the Uwe Herrmann family. The newly renovated castle is a three-story solid building with a hipped roof, dormer windows, and simple stucco detailing. The building dates back to the Late Gothic period; it may have previously been a fortified house. In 1738, it was rebuilt with the exception of the four main walls. Until the reconstruction, it was a defensive structure with one-meter-thick walls on the ground floor and narrow slits instead of windows. Two windows remain on the east side. There, on the first floor, is an exposed Late Gothic window with a straight lintel and dressed stonework, as well as a latrine bay window. A ring wall with numerous keyhole-shaped loopholes hewn from dressed stone and four projecting corner towers from the first construction phase surrounds the castle. It is approximately three meters high and 80 cm thick. The tall spires were added during the last renovation (1982–1984). The former moat can still be seen as a strip of barren land on the south and east sides. Access to the complex is from the north; a bridge once stood here, the inner section of which could be raised. Source: Excerpts from www.wikipedia.de
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An old hilltop castle, long used as a monastery by various religious orders. Today it houses the police academy. It lies on a dolomite spur above the valley. This is also where the "Hochholz Trail" begins, which is not to be missed.
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The Kastl castle complex has towered over the Lauterach Valley since the 10th century. In 1098, it was decided to convert the castle into a monastery. Description: It was founded in 1103, and the choir and St. Egidius Chapel were consecrated in 1129. Construction of the monastery church was completed at the end of the 12th century. Through constant renovations and expansions, the church acquired its present appearance. In 1782, it became the property of the Knights of Malta. The basilica has been used as a parish church since 1808. A late Gothic main portal, a four-bay barrel vault, the alternating support of columns and pillars in the nave, and the Gothic stone tomb in the vestibule, which was once the tomb of the deceased Princess Anna, make the church a true gem. Princess Anna was the daughter of King Ludwig the Bavarian and died in 1319. The mummy of the one-and-a-half-year-old "Kastl Child" was preserved until the end of 2013 and can be viewed again. The antechamber also houses the sarcophagus of General Schweppermann. [ Source: https://www.ostbayern-tourismus.de/attraktionen/klosterburg-kastl-fd22a56fae ]
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Very beautiful monastery castle currently serves as a police training center
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Great monastery castle with an amazing view - be sure to take the small juniper hiking trail!
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The Schweppermannsburg (also called Pfaffenhofen Castle) is a castle ruin in Pfaffenhofen, a district of the market town of Kastl (Lauterachtal) in the Upper Palatinate district of Amberg-Sulzbach in Bavaria. The complex is listed as an archaeological monument under the file number D-3-6635-0121 in the Bavaria Atlas as "archaeological findings in the area of the castle ruin "Schweppermannsburg" in Pfaffenhofen, hilltop settlements from the late Hallstatt/early La Tène period and the early Middle Ages". It is also listed as a listed building monument in Pfaffenhofen under the file number D-3-71-132-63. The outer bailey of the spur castle is freely accessible at all times, the main castle with the keep is not. The construction time of the complex is undated. Excavations in 2004 showed extensive building work in the 13th century and a few ceramic finds from the castle area indicate settlement activity as early as the 9th/10th - 11th/12th centuries. Pfaffenhofen was part of the original equipment of the Kastl monastery and has a settlement continuity that probably goes back to the 8th/9th century. Pfaffenhofen Castle was first mentioned in a document in the House Contract of Pavia in 1329, in which half of the complex went to the Duke of Bavaria, Ludwig the Bavarian. From 1335 to 1352, Hartung the Schweppermann, a son of Seyfried Schweppermann, can be proven to have been (partially) the owner of the castle. At the end of the 14th century, Ulrich the Sweppermann finally appears as the lord of the castle. The Schweppermann family subsequently gave the castle its name. In the 17th century, the complex was destroyed by Swedish troops during the Thirty Years' War and then hastily rebuilt. The castle complex fell into disrepair in the early 19th century and was only included in a renovation plan towards the end of the 20th century. Since October 24, 2007, the castle has been owned by the chairman of the Amberg section of the German Alpine Association, who purchased it from the Free State of Bavaria Source: Wikipedia
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Kastl Abbey Castle is the largely preserved hilltop castle and later Kastl Monastery, located on a long dolomite peak above the Lauterach Valley, high above Kastl in the Amberg-Sulzbach district of Bavaria. It is listed as an architectural monument under the file number D-3-71-132-21. "Archaeological findings from the Middle Ages and the early modern period in the area of the former Benedictine Abbey of Kastl" are also listed as an archaeological monument under the file number D-3-6636-0070. The castle complex was probably founded in the Carolingian period. In 954, Margrave Luitpold of Austria is said to have received Kastl Castle as a fief. In the same year, Luitpold owned the entire Heubischgau region, including Kastl, Habsberg, Illschwang, and Sulzbach. In 1098, the castle had three owners: Count Berengar of Sulzbach, Frederick I of Habsberg-Kastl with his son Count Otto of Habsberg-Kastl, and Luitgard of Zähringen, wife of Margrave Diepold II of Vohburg. Between 1098 and 1102, the owners agreed to convert the castle into a Benedictine monastery.[1] On May 12, 1102, Pope Paschal II confirmed the founding of the monastery. Source: Wikipedia
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Directly within Ammerthal, you can explore Schloss Ammerthal. This Renaissance castle, built starting in 1590, replaced an older medieval structure and is registered as a historical monument. It offers a glimpse into centuries of local history and architectural evolution, with features like visible firing slits and historical coats of arms.
Yes, several sites are considered family-friendly. The Ziegeltor, Amberg, a Gothic gate system, is a popular man-made monument suitable for families. Additionally, Kastl Monastery Castle is listed as family-friendly and offers a rich historical experience.
The castles in the region are steeped in history. For example, Kastl Monastery Castle was originally a Carolingian-era complex that became a Benedictine monastery, with its history tied to powerful counts and popes. Schweppermannsburg castle ruins are associated with the legendary field captain Seyfried Schweppermann from the 14th century, and Moos Water Castle played a role in the transfer of Amberg to Bavaria during the Counter-Reformation.
Yes, the Schweppermannsburg castle ruins in Pfaffenhofen are a notable site. While the main castle with its keep is usually not accessible, the outer bailey is freely accessible, allowing visitors to view its preserved southern and western walls and imagine its medieval past.
The region offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous cycling routes, such as the 'Historic Old Town of Sulzbach-Rosenberg – Sieben Quellen Pass loop' or the 'Hoibrücke Viaduct (Ursensollen) – Kastl Town Hall loop'. For mountain biking, there are trails like the 'Seven Springs Karst Springs – Amberg's "Stadtbrille" loop'. You can explore more options on the Cycling around Ammerthal or MTB Trails around Ammerthal guide pages.
While specific opening hours vary, the castles and ruins in the Ammerthal area can be enjoyed throughout the year. Spring and autumn offer pleasant weather for exploring the outdoor areas and trails. Winter visits can provide a unique, serene atmosphere, especially for sites like Schloss Ammerthal or the Schweppermannsburg ruins, though some facilities might have reduced hours.
Absolutely. Ziegeltor, Amberg is a Gothic gate system flanked by two semicircular battery towers, still allowing vehicles to pass through. Moos Water Castle, though rebuilt, retains a late Gothic core and is surrounded by a ring of walls with four protruding towers and keyhole-shaped loopholes. Schloss Ammerthal also features visible firing slits from its defensive past.
Yes, the Monastic Church of St. Peter (Kastl Abbey) is a significant religious historical site. It was founded as a Benedictine monastery and features Romanesque and Gothic architectural elements. The church holds historical artifacts, including the mummy of Princess Anna and the Schweppermann sarcophagus.
Visitors appreciate the rich history and well-preserved structures. For instance, the Kastl Monastery Castle has undergone recent renovations, enhancing its appeal. The romantic appearance of the Ziegeltor, Amberg, and the picturesque assembly of the Schweppermannsburg castle ruins are also frequently highlighted by the komoot community.
The Schweppermannsburg castle ruins are famously linked to the legend of Seyfried Schweppermann, a field captain of Emperor Ludwig the Bavarian. After a victorious battle, the emperor supposedly ordered, 'An egg to each, but two to the brave Schweppermann,' due to his bravery. This story adds a unique charm to the ruins.
Comfortable walking shoes are highly recommended, especially if you plan to explore the grounds, outer baileys, or nearby trails. Layers of clothing are also advisable, as weather conditions can change, particularly in more open or elevated locations like Kastl Monastery Castle.
While popular sites like Ziegeltor, Amberg can attract visitors, exploring the outer bailey of Schweppermannsburg castle ruins or the grounds of Moos Water Castle might offer a more tranquil experience, especially during off-peak hours or weekdays.


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