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Drachenturm (keep of the Treffelstein castle ruins)

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Drachenturm (keep of the Treffelstein castle ruins)

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Drachenturm (keep of the Treffelstein castle ruins)

Name: Drachenturm (keep of the Treffelstein castle ruins)
Rating: 2

Recommended by 16 hikers

This Highlight is in a protected area

Please check local regulations for: Naturpark Oberer Bayerischer Wald

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Location: Treffelstein, Cham, Upper Palatinate, Bavaria, Germany

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1. Bridge Over the Schwarzach – Silbersee loop from Treffelstein

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2. Treffelstein Peace Linden loop from Treffelstein

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3. Bridge Over the Schwarzach – Silbersee Circular Trail loop from Witzelsmühle

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Tips

Staufer

April 26, 2025

Treffelstein Castle Ruins

The first known Treffelsteiner was Heinrich von "Treuenstein" in 1290. The family may have originally belonged to the Schwarzenburg ministerial. In the meantime, the castle appears to have passed into other hands, as it is mentioned as the seat of the Parbingers in 1331 during the Wittelsbach division of the country. Afterward, perhaps as early as 1332, but certainly before 1366, the castle was pledged by the Lower Bavarian dukes to the Landgraves of Leuchtenberg. The Treffelsteiners, as castle guardians, died out soon after 1360. In 1373, Heinrich Chamerauer called himself "zum Dresenstein."
From 1400 onward, the local nobility alternated as owners, for example, the Paulsdorfers, the Nothafft zu Runding, and the Satzenhofers. In 1509, Heinrich Guttensteiner zu Schwarzenburg sold the Treffelstein to the Palatinate, and in 1530, it was pledged to Hans Fuchs zu Schneeberg. In 1634, the Swedes burned the castle down, rebuilt it in 1687, and burned again in 1695. A new castle was then built down in the village. Treffelstein was abandoned and used as a quarry. Compulsorily sold in 1832, the castle fell into disuse, although the keep had already been sold to a day laborer in 1812 and converted into a dwelling. The tower is privately owned.

The castle probably originally comprised only the uppermost section of the rocky peak. In 1626, shortly before the castle's destruction, the keep with its onion dome is depicted, already showing the large openings on the top floor. South of the tower, the main residential building is depicted, along with a small tower (the chapel?). North of the keep stands another building. The entire complex is surrounded by a circular wall pierced with loopholes. This wall features a round wall tower to the north and a gate tower to the southeast. In 1634, the castle was destroyed by the Swedes, but in the late 17th century, it was repaired again by Wolf Paul von Satzenhofen. It was destroyed by fire in 1695 and subsequently demolished. The keep was also reduced in height. As late as 1840, the southern ring wall was clearly visible.

Of the small castle on the gneiss rock, only the keep, built around 1300, is still standing, known locally as the "Dragon Tower." Today, it is 15 m high, has 2.5 m thick walls and a diameter of 6.5 m – correspondingly tiny living space! The staircase leading to the elevated entrance is also a more recent addition.

Source: Excerpts from ebidat.de/cgi-bin/ebidat.pl?id=1490

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Michi1001

July 13, 2023

The dragon tower is the former keep of Treffelstein Castle. The tower can be climbed by appointment and offers a beautiful view of the town and the surrounding area.

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Stephanie Böckl

January 20, 2025

Unfortunately, the tower is currently closed to the public since the first Advent. Probably because of the danger in winter? Hopefully it will open again in spring:)

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Elevation 590 m

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Saturday 25 October

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Location: Treffelstein, Cham, Upper Palatinate, Bavaria, Germany

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Drachenturm (keep of the Treffelstein castle ruins)

1. Bridge Over the Schwarzach – Silbersee loop from Treffelstein

2. Treffelstein Peace Linden loop from Treffelstein

3. Bridge Over the Schwarzach – Silbersee Circular Trail loop from Witzelsmühle

Other Popular Places to Check Out

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