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Burgruine Hohenstein today

Germany · Partial ruin

Burgruine Hohenstein

Burg Hohenstein

Hohenstein Castle (Burg Hohenstein) is a medieval hill castle in Middle Franconia, Bavaria, built on a steep limestone crag. Originating in the 11th–12th centuries, it passed through several regional dynasties, served as an administrative fortress for the imperial city of Nuremberg, and fell into partial ruin after the early 19th century.

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Photograph via Wikimedia Commons

Its prime

1600

Today

Partial ruin

As it stood in 1600

What Burgruine Hohenstein looked like in its prime.

Perched atop a rugged limestone crag, the castle presents a continuous pale-stone curtain wall with crenellations running along the rock edge. A compact, rectangular residential keep with steep red-tiled roofs and a small half-timbered gable sits within the walls. On an adjacent rock stands a narrow bell-tower with a pointed, greenish metal spire. The fortress footprint follows the irregular shape of the outcrop, with rock faces plunging to the valley and scattered trees at the base.

Its story

The story of Burgruine Hohenstein.

Hohenstein Castle in Middle Franconia originated in the 11th–12th centuries on a steep limestone crag. Held first by the counts of Sulzbach, it passed to the Hohenstaufen, from that dynasty's name the castle is now sometimes called Hohenstaufen Castle, and later stood in the possession of the Wittelsbachs, the House of Luxembourg and, at the end, the Bavarian dukes once more.

In connection with the Landshut War of Succession the imperial city of Nuremberg took secure control of the castle, buying it in 1505. It was designated the administrative seat of a Nuremberg keeper and played a prominent role in the management and defence of the city's newly acquired territory. Its decline began when parts of the castle were sold off by the state for demolition, leaving the partial ruin that stands today.

Step inside

7 places to explore in 1600.

The record describes 7 distinct spots at Burgruine Hohenstein, including 2 interiors: inner bailey / courtyard, residential house and great hall. Create your own photoreal reconstruction and explore every one, more scenes means more rooms, more angles, and more of the place to stand in.

Approach from the valleyBase of the cragCurtain wall and battlementsInner bailey / courtyardResidential house and great hallRock-top bell-towerMain tower / keep at the crest

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Whose castle

Clans who held Burgruine Hohenstein.

The families that held Burgruine Hohenstein for a decade or more across its history, follow a name to its clan.

  • Sulzbach

    Held by the counts of Sulzbach before passing to the Hohenstaufen.

Nearby

Landmarks within reach of Burgruine Hohenstein.

Max-Morlock-Stadion, GermanyStadiumMax-Morlock-Stadion28 km awayPalace of Justice, GermanySeat of powerPalace of Justice31 km away

Questions about Burgruine Hohenstein

What is the history of Burgruine Hohenstein?

Burgruine Hohenstein originated as a hill castle in the 11th–12th centuries on a steep limestone crag. It changed hands among the counts of Sulzbach, the Hohenstaufen, the Wittelsbachs, the House of Luxembourg and the Bavarian dukes. Nuremberg bought it in 1505 and used it as an administrative fortress; after 1806, parts were sold for demolition and it became a partial ruin.

What is inside Burgruine Hohenstein?

Inside Burgruine Hohenstein are an inner bailey or courtyard, a residential house and a great hall. The chapel building was acquired and renovated in 1901. The complex also includes the Lange Haus, used for cultural events, seminars and conferences after its renovation.

Why was Burgruine Hohenstein built, and what was it used for?

Burgruine Hohenstein was built as a fortified hill castle on a steep limestone crag, and later served as an administrative fortress. After Nuremberg bought it in 1505, it became the seat of a Nuremberg keeper and helped manage and defend the city’s newly acquired territory. In recent use, parts of the complex host cultural events, seminars and conferences.

Where is Burgruine Hohenstein?

Burgruine Hohenstein is in Middle Franconia, Bavaria, at the western edge of the village of Hohenstein in the municipality of Kirchensittenbach. It stands on the summit plateau of the Hohenstein, on a 30-metre-high Dolomite rock. The site is in the Hersbrucker Alb, northwest of the Pegnitz.

When was Burgruine Hohenstein built?

Burgruine Hohenstein was first raised in the 11th–12th centuries. The first documented mention is from 1163, when Sicolinus was appointed as a castle guard. The material does not give a precise construction year, and the castle developed through later changes of ownership and rebuilding.

Was Burgruine Hohenstein ever attacked or besieged?

Burgruine Hohenstein was attacked and destroyed during the Second Margrave War by troops of Albrecht Alcibiades of Brandenburg-Kulmbach. The fortress was important to Nuremberg and was captured by the opposing forces, although Nuremberg and its allies ultimately prevailed. It remained in Nuremberg’s possession afterwards and was rebuilt, with the work continuing into the 17th century.

Which family or clan held Burgruine Hohenstein?

The counts of Sulzbach held Burgruine Hohenstein before it passed to the Hohenstaufen. The castle later stood in the possession of the Wittelsbachs, the House of Luxembourg and, at the end, the Bavarian dukes once more.

What did Burgruine Hohenstein look like in its prime?

In its prime, Burgruine Hohenstein presented a continuous pale-stone curtain wall with crenellations along the edge of a rugged limestone crag. A compact rectangular residential keep had steep red-tiled roofs and a small half-timbered gable. A narrow bell-tower with a pointed greenish metal spire stood on an adjacent rock, while the fortress followed the outcrop’s irregular shape.

Is Burgruine Hohenstein still standing, or is it a ruin?

Burgruine Hohenstein is still standing as a partial ruin. Parts of the complex were sold for demolition after 1806, and the castle keep was among the losses. Conservation efforts began around the middle of the 19th century; the chapel was renovated in 1901, and the remaining part was acquired and restored in 1983.

Can you visit Burgruine Hohenstein?

Burgruine Hohenstein can be visited. The castle is described as renovated and accessible, and visiting the castle is listed among its current uses. Civil weddings can take place in the chapel and registry weddings in the Burgstübchen; cultural events, seminars and conferences are also held in part of the complex.

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