Mariengrotte & Burgruine Falkenstein

At the end of the 19th century, on the initiative of the local pastor, a statue of the Virgin was erected in the high half-cave in the south-facing rock face of the Falkenstein, one of the many replicas of the Lourdes Marian apparition. On the day of the arrival of the figure of Mary, the pastor died in mountain climbing near Aggenstein.

A beautiful hiking route is starting at the Weißensee to the Alatsee, over the Salober Alm, over the ridge over to Falkenstein. From there you can hike back down to the Weissensee. For the pure hike 2 hours are to be planned.
Over the ridge wonderful views over the lake are possible.
The difficulty of the terrain is low.

Below / next to the restaurant is a small exhibition to Falkenstein Castle. There is also a model of the planned castle to see.

If you are planning a little excursion, where you should be offered a lot and good weather is predicted, you should plan to visit Falkenstein. At the top of the castle ruins, a magnificent panoramic view awaits you in the Ostallgäu mountains and lake landscape. Culinary (Burghotel Falkenstein) and spiritual (Mariengrotte) is also offered. Highly recommended.

You can also start up by car. As toll road, you have to pay 4 € at the bottom of the machine and wait until the traffic light turns green. Downhill is always on the hour + 10 minutes.

Mariengrotte below Falkenstein with a beautiful view of the Vilstal

Ruins already have their charm. But if they are so spectacular on a mountain and offer an unobstructed panoramic view, ... madness. In the late afternoon we had the most beautiful light and a distant view. You can not get enough. Royal castles, Ostallgäu Lake District, mountains without end, valleys, the Vils .... etc ..

And then you can stop below very well and continue to enjoy the view with delicious food and drink.

Bombastic view over Kempten and Vorland

The ruins Falkenstein is Germany's highest located ruin

Good stop at the hotel

Once sheep found shelter in the large grotto under the vertical south wall of the Falkenstein. Today there is a trumpet leading to two large saint figures behind an iron grid. The impressive statue of the Virgin Mary is 2.80 meters high and weighs 300 kilos. Next to her is the kneeling Bernadette, who is worshiped as the "seer of Lourdes". Not only believers look for inner retreat and purification in this special place with imposing views.

A viewing platform was built in the ruins. From here you have a great all-round view both over the Vilstal in the Allgäu Alps and to the north into the foothills of the Alps.

Access is free of charge.

To Mariengrotte you have to descend some altitude on the south side.

From the ruins you have a great view over the Vilstal and the foothills of the Alps.

Fantastic view over the Allgäu Lake District.

Great view. A trip to the castle ruins is worthwhile in every season.

Even with a view of Neuschwanstein Castle

A very great view

With toll if you drive up by car

What a view

With a view of Neuschwanstein

Made so lovingly. It is really worth seeing

Magnificent view over the beautiful landscape of the Allgäu

Beautiful castle Ruinne, is currently being repaired

Unexpectedly beautiful. The way was worth it. Either from the castle down or from the parking lot.