Burgruine Hörtenberg, Medieval castle ruin in Pfaffenhofen, Austria.
Burgruine Hortenberg is a castle ruin in Pfaffenhofen featuring a pentagonal central tower with a pyramid-shaped roof and walls over 2 meters thick at the base. This tower stands as the most recognizable and best-preserved structure among the remaining ruins.
The castle was first documented in 1239 and belonged to the Counts of Eschenlohe, who used it as the administrative center of their county. Over centuries it was gradually abandoned and fell into decline.
The chapel within the castle was dedicated to Saint Catherine, showing how important religious spaces were to daily life in the fortress. Visitors can still see traces of these spiritual areas today.
The ruins are accessible to visitors during the summer months by foot along a marked path from the village. The ground can be uneven and sturdy footwear is recommended, especially after rain.
Archaeological excavations in 2004 uncovered artifacts dating from the Bronze Age through the 16th century beneath the castle grounds. These layers show the site was occupied and used over many thousands of years.
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