Ruine Weißenstein

In the middle of the stone forest stands on a rock spur the well-preserved castle ruins Weissenstein. At the end of the 13th century there was already a simple fortified castle, but the expansion to a massive stone castle took place later. The castle changed hands at the beginning of the 14th century. The nobility Notthafft, who were now the lords of the castle, built the castle generously. In the battles for the Bavarian throne, the castle was damaged and repaired again and again makeshift.

In the middle of the 16th century, the castle was completely abandoned and fell rapidly. It was only in the 1990s that a club was formed, which made it their goal to preserve the castle. At this time, only the dilapidated keep and some remains of the wall were preserved.

With much effort, the castle could be protected from further decay and today you can explore the various levels of the castle via wooden stairs. From the restored keep, you have a phenomenal view over the Steinwald and the Upper Palatinate.

It stands on the 863.5 m above sea level. NHN Weißenstein and thus forms a hilltop castle in so-called Spornlage. The name first appeared in a document on March 21, 1279 as "Wisstenstein". At that time, a "Wolff de Wisstenstein" appeared as a witness in a freight transfer. The castle Weissenstein should have been finally abandoned after 1560. The buildings fell and buried a part of the walls under their rubble. The tower also lost its structure and certainly part of its original height. In 1995, hardly more than the keep on a high rock cliff and two collapse-prone walls about four meters high were recognizable. Other walls were possibly recognizable in the form of wall-like elevations. The company Steinwaldia Pullenreuth e. V. restored the remaining parts of the building between 1996 and 2000 with a considerable expenditure of time and money and ensured the preservation of the cultural and historical monument.

dogsandfamily.blog/ueber-die-ruine-weissenstein-auf-die-platte-im-steinwald

The season does not matter here. Every hike here is restful.

Easy hike in the nature park Steinwald. One of the most beautiful castle ruins. Wonderful view from the tower.

In 1995, hardly more than the keep built on a high rock cliff and two collapsing walls about four meters high were recognizable. Other walls were possibly recognizable in the form of wall-like elevations. The company Steinwaldia Pullenreuth e. V. restored the remaining parts of the building between 1996 and 2000 with a considerable expenditure of time and money and ensured the preservation of the cultural historical monument. In an information pavilion, the hiker receives information about the history of the Weissenstein and the refurbishment of the facilities. The castle ruin Weißenstein is a magnet for hikers, but also a backdrop for concerts, theater performances and other cultural events.

These beautiful and larger than life women's figures made of bronze fascinated us. She is beautiful, detailed and sometimes very filigree worked. The figure is covered with patterns, flower tendrils and elements that can be immediately attributed to nature. Since we did not find a plaque with clues, we assumed that it should be a nymph or a forest spirit - due to its location and location. Investigating at home, we found out that it is a bronze statue titled "Mother Nature" by artist Engelbert Süß from Pfreimd. Details to read here: onetz.de/deutschland-und-die-welt-r/lokales/mutter-erde-mit-wallendem-haar-d248362.html

For me, the Weißenstein castle ruins are THE highlight in the Steinwald! 🤩
Well restored and with signs indicating the earlier parts of the building.
From the keep you have a fantastic view 👀

Great reconstruction and restoration of the old castle complex. Must see.

Very nice castle ruins, with a great view. Idyllically located in the stone forest. The steps to the keep are steep and not necessarily suitable for those afraid of heights.
But the ascent is rewarded with a beautiful all-round view

beautiful statue that sometimes leads men to take Mother Earth in their hands :-)

Upstairs from the tower you have a great view.

More information below. burgruine-weissenstein.de

Beautiful castle ruins with foresight from the tower

The castle ruin Weißenstein always offers itself for a nice Sunday excursion.

A very beautiful castle ruin with a fantastic view from the tower!

Great, good and diverse walkable ruin. Especially the kids enjoyed exploring every corner in and around the castle. Adventurous and the outside tour around the castle and a recommended detour to the Kiebitzstein, about 100 meters south-west of the castle.

The castle ruin dates from the 11th century and was used as a multi-family castle (Ganerbenburg) until 1550, after which it was abandoned. It stands on the 863.5 m high Weißenstein. From the keep you have a wonderful panoramic view of the largest contiguous forest area in Central Europe. From 1996 to 2000 the remains of the former castle were extensively restored and since then has been a cultural and historical monument of very special value.

Fantastic remains of early architecture.
Bombastic view from the keep.
Further information can be found under the following link:
burgruine-weissenstein.de

Fantastic remains of early architecture.
Bombastic view from the keep.
Further information is available at the following link:
burgruine-weissenstein.de

Great view from the tower to the castle.

The view from the tower over the stone forest is magnificent and worth the short effort of the somewhat steep ascent.

old castle ruin in the forest with great views

The ruin is really great. Beautiful rock formations. The all-round view is great when the weather is nice.

At the top of the lookout tower, there is a stone information board: In which direction you are looking.
Can also be integrated wonderfully into the photo.