Burg Wildenau, Medieval castle in Plößberg, Germany

Burg Wildenau rises on a hilltop in the Oberpfälzer Wald region, displaying defensive towers, fortified walls, and a central keep within its stone perimeter. The structure sits on elevated terrain, allowing views across the surrounding landscape from multiple vantage points.

The fortress was built around 1100 by the Counts of Sulzbach and suffered severe damage during the Hussite Wars in 1430. It was subsequently rebuilt with stronger fortifications to improve its defensive capabilities.

The privately owned castle hosts the Wildenauer Burgfest, a medieval market with crafts and reenactment. The castle chapel of St. Erhard, mentioned in an 18th-century inventory, was used jointly by both Christian denominations from 1650 to 1908.

The grounds are privately owned by the Ackermann family since 1992 and underwent a ten-year restoration to preserve its architectural elements. Visitors should prepare for uneven terrain and steep paths, as the castle sits on elevated ground.

The keep's masonry is laid in Buckelquader, a bossed ashlar technique dating from the Staufer period. A 1783 lease book recorded a small bell in the tower and a castle chapel of St. Erhard on the second floor, used five times a year by both Christian denominations.