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Lauenstein Castle

Castles

Lauenstein Castle

Highlight • Castle

Lauenstein Castle

Recommended by 369 hikers out of 373

This Highlight is in a protected area

Please check local regulations for: Naturpark Frankenwald

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Location: Ludwigsstadt, Kronach, Upper Franconia, Bavaria, Germany

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Best Hikes to Lauenstein Castle

4.7

(58)

206

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1. Lauenstein Castle – View of Lauenstein Castle loop from Ebene

5.72km

01:41

170m

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Easy

4.4

(49)

182

hikers

2. Cafe Bauer Ski Collection – Burg Lauenstein loop from Lauenstein

8.59km

02:45

340m

330m

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

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Moderate

4.4

(49)

178

hikers

3. Lauenstein Castle – Cafe Bauer Ski Collection loop from Springelhof

8.69km

02:47

340m

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

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Moderate

Tips

Andrea und Huskys 🐺

July 25, 2025

This hilltop castle, originally part of the Orlagau region, was built over a thousand years ago in the midst of a clearing on the upper reaches of the Saale River and its tributary, the Loquitz. It was first mentioned in a document from 1222. Via the Counts of Orlamünde (1250) and the Knights of Ghüna (1506), the castle finally passed to the Margraves of Brandenburg-Kulmbach and Bayreuth in 1622, falling to Prussia in 1791 and Bavaria in 1803. In 1896, the castle romanticist Dr. Erhard Messmer from Halle an der Saale acquired the completely neglected castle complex, had it renovated, and refurbished. Katharina von Orlamünde was born at Lauenstein Castle in the 14th century. She is said to haunt the castle to this day as the restless ghost known as the "White Lady."

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HoffiKC

November 3, 2020

A wonderful hiking trail (nature trail) starts on the road just north of the castle, leading down to the chocolate factory or even to Probstzella. It is also easy to ride downhill on a mountain bike. Some places are a bit rocky and you have to push. The route to Probstzella is a bit overgrown up to the B 85, but it is still very beautiful. A rustic little path.
ATTENTION: These paths are currently (2024) only partially accessible due to the forest damage.

For me, Lauenstein Castle is a real fairytale castle that has so far resisted all commercialization. When you come down from the surrounding hills and see it, you are simply amazed. A worthwhile destination for children too.

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JR56

February 6, 2021

Lauenstein Castle is located north of Kronach, not far from the Franconian-Thuringian border. Its oldest parts date back to the 12th century; from the 13th to well into the 15th century, Lauenstein Castle was the seat of the once powerful Thuringian dynasty of the Counts of Orlamünde. After their decline, it passed through various hands until 1506, when the Lords of Thüna acquired the castle and lordship of Lauenstein.

The main wing, named after them, with its four corner towers, was built between 1551 and 1554 and is a remarkable example of Renaissance palace architecture in Central Germany. Christian, Margrave of Bayreuth, acquired the castle in 1622, before it fell to Prussia in 1791 and finally to Bavaria in 1803.

Transferred to private ownership in 1815, the complex subsequently fell into increasing disrepair until 1896, when it was purchased by Dr. Erhard Meßmer, who renovated Lauenstein Castle in the spirit of late historicism and furnished it based on the model of the Wartburg Castle near Eisenach. This combination of 16th-century architecture with elements of historicism
and Art Nouveau is particularly evident in the Orlamünde Hall (entrance hall) and the large Knights' Room in the Thüna Building.

In 1962, the Free State of Bavaria acquired the castle and extensively restored the entire complex between 1966 and 1976. A comprehensive museum was established in over 20 rooms of the main castle, where, in addition to armor and weapons, the preserved furnishings,
including tiled stoves, paintings, and wall and ceiling frescoes, provide visitors with a true picture of medieval castle life.

Rural and artisanal objects, as well as special collections of handcrafted items, including locks, lamps, and musical instruments, complement the castle museum.

schloesser.bayern.de/deutsch/schloss/objekte/lauenst.htm

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Details

Informations

Elevation 570 m

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Sunday 23 November

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Max wind speed: 16.0 km/h

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Location: Ludwigsstadt, Kronach, Upper Franconia, Bavaria, Germany

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Lauenstein Castle

1. Lauenstein Castle – View of Lauenstein Castle loop from Ebene

2. Cafe Bauer Ski Collection – Burg Lauenstein loop from Lauenstein

3. Lauenstein Castle – Cafe Bauer Ski Collection loop from Springelhof

Other Popular Places to Check Out

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