Beilstein Ruins and Viewpoint

Wall remains of the former castle Beilstein and beautiful view.

de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beilstein_(Hessischer_Spessart)

The Beilstein is a basalt spur that arose from a former volcanic cone and has formed over millions of years of erosion work. On its summit (499.5 m) it bears the remains of an early medieval Staufer castle from the 13th century, of which some of the outer walls have been preserved. The castle served to secure the trade routes through the Spessart (donkey route) and lived on customs and duties from carters and farmers. As trade increasingly shifted to valley roads, hilltop castles such as the Beilstein fell completely out of fashion and were abandoned. The stones were taken away and used for building elsewhere.

Geological rarity in the Spessart, which is dominated by sandstone. The view over Villbach and Lettgenbrunn is also worthwhile.