Burgruine Falkenstein

Ruins already have their charm. But when they stand spectacularly on a mountain and offer an unobstructed all-round view – amazing. We had beautiful light in the late afternoon and a great view. You can't get enough of the sights: royal castles, the Ostallgäu lake district, endless mountains, valleys, the Vils and more.

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

Even King Ludwig liked to stay here. Great vantage point.

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.

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.

Mariengrotte below Falkenstein with a beautiful view of the Vilstal

Bombastic view over Kempten and Vorland

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.

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.

The ruins Falkenstein is Germany's highest located ruin

Good stop at the hotel

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.

Fantastic view over the Allgäu Lake District.

Highest castle ruins in Germany with a mountain hotel and restaurant. Steep descent to the Mariengrotto directly below.

Falkenstein Castle is a high medieval castle ruin near Pfronten in the Ostallgäu district in south-west Bavaria, right on the border with Tyrol (Austria). Falkenstein Castle is the highest castle complex in Germany. The ruins of the hilltop castle are on the Falkenstein (1,268 meters) in the Falkensteinkamm near Pfronten in the Allgäu.
Due to its exposed and unusual location, the small castle complex is interpreted by modern castle research as a symbol of power and rulership, as a threatening gesture towards the Duchy of Bavaria. It was only suitable to a limited extent as a fortification and administrative center, which is why the official seat was moved to the valley in 1582.
From the facility there is a view of the Vilstal below and the peaks of the Tannheimer Group.Source: de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burg_Falkenstein_(Pfronten)

Even with a view of Neuschwanstein Castle

Made so lovingly. It is really worth seeing

Beautiful castle Ruinne, is currently being repaired

The absolute highlight of the tour is the Mariengrotte, beautifully integrated into the rock and cared for and planted with a lot of love, it is an absolute eye-catcher and for many also a spiritual place

The highest castle ruin in Germany. You can either drive to the hotel (toll, traffic light) or hike up a nice, sometimes quite steep path. It's worth it - the view pays off for every bead of sweat!

King Ludwig II wanted to build a new splendid palace here, but that did not happen.
The museum at or directly below the restaurant provides more information and vivid models of the original castle.

A nice destination in connection with the whitewater and / or Alatsee. Refreshments in the hotel directly below the ruins - at least if you are not too dirty to stop in this posh restaurant.

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