Gößweinstein Castle

Gößweinstein Castle, also known as Gößweinstein Castle, is a medieval hilltop castle in Gößweinstein in the Forchheim district in Bavaria. The complex, located high above the market and the Wiesent, may have served Richard Wagner as a model for the Grail Castle in his Parsifal.

One of the oldest castles in Franconian Switzerland. The exact year of construction is uncertain as there are no detailed written reports or investigations. Count Gozwin expanded Gößweinstein Castle into a fortress before 1062. In a written message from Bamberg Cathedral Dean Poppo to Bishop Gunther from 1062 it says “his stone (=fortress) was built with the greatest effort”. During this time, Counts Gozwin and Hermann von Habsberg fought a devastating feud.

The lovingly restored Gößweinstein Castle takes its name from its builder, Gozwin. Today's Gößweinstein was already known as Goswinesteyn in the 11th century. A visit to the medieval castle is worthwhile for the wonderful view over Franconian Switzerland alone.

You can find opening times at burg-goessweinstein.de.