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Franconian Forest

Franconian Forest

The Top 20 Castles in the Franconian Forest

A visit to a castle — whether you stumble over one during a hike outdoors or walk your way around the grounds with a guide — is always something special, and you’ve got 20

beautiful castles to choose from in the Franconian Forest. Just browse our list to find your top castle , and add some history to your next adventure!

Last updated: November 19, 2025

Mitwitz Water Castle

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The moated castle is the landmark of Mitwitz and an absolute highlight. A visit to the castle surrounded by water with its many original furnishings from the 16th to 20th centuries is very worthwhile.

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⚔️ Rosenberg Fortress

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It was never defeated, never conquered: Rosenberg Fortress is one of the most beautiful and largest fortifications in Europe.
The former Bamberg bishop's castle and later state fortress on the …

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🏛️ Nordeck Castle Ruins

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A break in the castle courtyard is not possible, but benches and tables invite the visitor to take a rest with a view of the fortified tower of the Nordeck ruins.

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Lauenstein Castle

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This hilltop castle, originally part of the Orlagau region, was built over a thousand years ago in the midst of a clearing on the upper reaches of the Saale River …

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Lichtenberg Castle Ruins and Tower

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The castle ruins Lichtenberg has been wonderfully restored and is always on the first weekend in September venue of the medieval castle festival. This is organized by the castle friends …

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🏛️ Heilingskirche Ruins

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The Heilingskirche was probably built between 1433 and 1469. Today only the western gable front stands impressively on the hill. The former stately church was heavily visited by pilgrims before …

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Mitwitz Castle Park with Wooden Sculptures

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Beautifully landscaped park next to the moated castle

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🏛️ Heunischenburg

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The oldest scientifically researched stone castle in Europe north of the Alps.
The Urnfield-time Heunischenburg is due to the archaeological research of the years 1983 to 1987 as the oldest …

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Upper Mitwitz Castle

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The original castle was probably built as a castle in the Middle Ages. During the Thirty Years' War, the entire system was badly affected by raids by the Kronachers. It …

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Schloßberg Nordhalben Summit and Mushroom Sculpture

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Great view and great chance to overcome altitude difference, if you combine the tour to the castle mountain with a part of Grenzersteig to make the tour a little more challenging

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Looking for the best castles somewhere else? Discover other guides in the Franconian Forest:

Franconian Switzerland Naturpark Fränkische Schweiz - Frankenjura Landkreis Kulmbach Landkreis Coburg Fichtel Mountains Naturpark Frankenwald Naturpark Fichtelgebirge Kronach Landkreis Bamberg Landkreis Wunsiedel im Fichtelgebirge Lichtenfels

The Top 20 Castles in the Franconian Forest

Mitwitz Water Castle

⚔️ Rosenberg Fortress

🏛️ Nordeck Castle Ruins

Lauenstein Castle

Lichtenberg Castle Ruins and Tower

🏛️ Heilingskirche Ruins

Mitwitz Castle Park with Wooden Sculptures

🏛️ Heunischenburg

Upper Mitwitz Castle

Schloßberg Nordhalben Summit and Mushroom Sculpture

Other adventures in the Franconian Forest

Most popular routes in the Franconian Forest

Most popular attractions in the Franconian Forest

Get inspired with the komoot mobile app

Explore more

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