Why is Falkenstein Castle notable?

It occupies the highest castle site in Germany and was where King Ludwig II planned a second Neuschwanstein, a project abandoned after his death.

Can you go inside Falkenstein Castle?

No, only open-air ruins remain, with no roofed rooms to visit.

How long does it take to hike up to Falkenstein Castle?

About an hour on foot from the valley, or twenty minutes from the Schlossanger Alp.

Was Ludwig II's planned castle ever built?

No, only drawings and a model survive, kept at the King Ludwig II Museum in Herrenchiemsee.

Falkenstein Castle

Pfronten

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Where: Pfronten

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Burg Falkenstein stands in Pfronten (Landkreis Ostallgäu), in Bavaria, Germany. The building is a listed Baudenkmal. Recorded dating: 13th century. Its opening hours and prices have not been verified at the source yet.

Falkenstein Castle stands at 1,268 metres above sea level, the highest-situated castle site in Germany, on a rocky ridge overlooking the Vils valley near Pfronten. Founded around 1280 by Count Meinhard II of Tyrol as a show of authority against the Dukes of Bavaria, it passed in 1290 to the Bishops of Augsburg, whose bailiffs occupied it until 1582. King Ludwig II of Bavaria bought the ruin in 1883, intending to build a Gothic-style castle rivalling Neuschwanstein, but his death in 1886 ended the plans before construction began. Only the medieval ruins remain today, reached by mountain trails with views over the neighbouring Tannheim range.

Written from Falkenstein Castle (Pfronten)

What to know

Reaching the ruin on foot from the valley takes about an hour, or roughly twenty minutes from the Schlossanger Alp.
The site is an open-air ruin with no roofed building to enter.
The path is a mountain trail, so sturdy footwear and reasonable fitness are needed.
Visiting is essentially a hike, best done outside winter given the altitude.
There are no fixed opening hours or entrance fees, as the site is outdoors and unmanned.

Where this château is

Pfronten · Landkreis Ostallgäu · Bayern

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This châteauChâteaux within 40 km

Address

Pfronten, Landkreis Ostallgäu

Directions open from wherever you are, by car or public transport.

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Heritage status: Baudenkmal in Bayern
Period of construction: 13th century

In pictures

Frequently asked

Why is Falkenstein Castle notable?: It occupies the highest castle site in Germany and was where King Ludwig II planned a second Neuschwanstein, a project abandoned after his death.
Can you go inside Falkenstein Castle?: No, only open-air ruins remain, with no roofed rooms to visit.
How long does it take to hike up to Falkenstein Castle?: About an hour on foot from the valley, or twenty minutes from the Schlossanger Alp.
Was Ludwig II's planned castle ever built?: No, only drawings and a model survive, kept at the King Ludwig II Museum in Herrenchiemsee.