Castle Rabenstein, Medieval fortress in Ahorntal, Germany
Castle Rabenstein is a medieval fortress perched on a rocky hillside in Ahorntal, overlooking the Ailsbach valley below. The structure features multiple rooms to explore, a courtyard, and towers with views across the surrounding Franconian Switzerland landscape.
The fortress began as a 12th-century stronghold for the Waischenfeld territory and saw its form change through different ownerships over the centuries. It passed to noble families including the Schlüsselbergs and the burgraves of Nuremberg, each adding their mark to the structure.
The castle hosts a falconry center where visitors can watch birds of prey perform and hunt during demonstrations. These shows reveal hunting methods that have been practiced for centuries and still continue today.
Access involves a walking path from the parking area, and the site is not fully accessible due to its hillside location and historic stone structure. Visitors should wear sturdy footwear and check opening times in advance, as these vary throughout the year depending on the season.
Beneath the castle lies Sophie's Cave, a karst cavern with well-preserved stalactites and fossil remains from ice age cave bears. This underground chamber is a rare geological feature that visitors can explore alongside the above-ground fortress.
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