The exact date of the construction of Falkenburg Castle on the summit of Sokol is lost in history. The first mention of the castle occurs in 1415, when Albrecht von Dönis is documented as its owner. The castle likely served to protect the trade route from Zittau to Jablonné (German Gabel).
Sokol (Falkenberg) seen from Petersdorf
During the Hussite Wars, the Hussite garrison plundered the surrounding area. In 1431, the Upper Lusatian League of Six Cities destroyed the castle for the first time, but it was quickly rebuilt. In 1434, after the Battle of Lipan, the castle lords refused to reconcile with the League of Six Cities, whereupon Emperor Sigismund ordered the Zittau people to destroy the castle. In 1437, it was rumored that the castle had burned down due to their own carelessness. This fact is considered a ruse to prevent complete destruction. Nikolaus Falke von Lamberg later took over the already rebuilt castle before it was finally destroyed by the League of Six Cities in 1467. It served as a hideout for bandits for some time, but was already considered deserted by 1513.
Today, only a few remnants of the ring wall and the foundations of the stronghold can be seen.