Burg Falkenfels: A Medieval Castle in Germany

Visitor Information

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Country: Germany

Civilization: Unclassified

Remains: Military

History

Burg Falkenfels is a medieval castle situated in the municipality of Falkenfels in modern-day Germany. It was originally constructed around the year 1100 by the Counts of Bogen, a noble family of the Holy Roman Empire. The castle occupies a strategic rocky hilltop, rising to approximately 507 meters above sea level, which contributed to its defensive importance.

Throughout the Middle Ages, Burg Falkenfels experienced several changes in ownership. In 1232, control passed from the Counts of Bogen to the Knights of Hohenfels, a shift reflecting the complex feudal arrangements of the time. Around 1400, the Falkenstein family assumed lordship, holding the castle for some decades before transferring it to the Frauenberger family in 1425. This latter family maintained possession until their extinction in 1480.

Historical records indicate the castle was recognized under the name “Valkenfelss” as early as the 14th century, appearing in a 15th-century copy of a 1331 document that referred to it as a fief. The castle witnessed military conflict in the 15th century when Hussite forces plundered it in 1425. Later, during the Böcklerkrieg (a feud among regional powers) in 1468, Duke Albrecht IV’s army seized control.

In 1492, Burg Falkenfels endured a significant siege during the Löwlerkrieg conflict. After a week of resistance, the castle surrendered and was deliberately set ablaze. Subsequent rebuilding efforts were led by Hans von Paulsdorf, who restored the structure to functional use.

Ownership transferred through marriage to the Seyboltstorffer family in 1525, symbolizing the common practice of property consolidation via dynastic alliances. From 1607 until 1796, the Freiherren von Weichs, a noble family bearing the title of barons, held the estate. During the devastating Thirty Years’ War, Swedish troops ignited the castle in 1641, necessitating another phase of reconstruction.

Later in the 18th century, Josef Maria von Weichs sold Burg Falkenfels along with the surrounding estates to Freiherr Gabriel von Buchstetten in 1796. The castle suffered yet another fire in 1807 but was rebuilt once more. The dissolution of the traditional feudal jurisdiction known as the Hofmark Falkenfels in 1820 led to the breakup of the estate.

The following year the Lang family acquired the property and established a brewery within the castle grounds, operating it until 1934. A serious fire occurred in 1925, destroying substantial portions of the complex; restoration after this event was incomplete.

The castle remained privately owned, passing to the Schimmelmann family from 1919 to 1950. In 1951, Franz Xaver Baier purchased Burg Falkenfels and converted it into a hotel and restaurant; it also served as a venue for conferences. Since 2001, the property has been under the ownership of the publisher Udo Sieber.

Remains

Burg Falkenfels was originally designed with defensive fortifications consisting of two ring walls positioned one above the other on terraced levels, providing layered protection. Today, only the northern sections of these fortifications remain well preserved, offering a glimpse into the castle’s medieval defensive layout.

One of the castle’s central architectural features is its 13th-century bergfried, or keep, located on the eastern side. A bergfried is a tall tower commonly used for observation and as a stronghold within medieval castles. The tower was constructed for durability and defense, standing prominently on the hilltop. Its broad walls have been topped in later periods with a battlement crown—an ornamental parapet with crenellations allowing defenders to shield themselves while observing the surroundings. From this elevated position, the bergfried provides extensive panoramic views across the region.

Within the castle grounds stands the Baroque chapel of St. Joseph, built during the 17th century atop medieval foundations. This chapel reflects the castle’s religious associations and contains several tombstones belonging to former lords of Falkenfels, serving as historical markers of its noble lineage.

Visitors today can freely access the outer castle grounds, while the main castle buildings have been adapted for modern use as a hotel and restaurant. The site holds official protections as a cultural heritage monument, registered under D-2-78-120-2, and is recognized archaeologically under the number D-2-6941-0004. This designation acknowledges the presence of underground remains and artifacts dating from the medieval and early modern periods, underscoring the site’s historical depth and ongoing importance to heritage preservation.