Schloss Bärnstein

Schloss Bärnstein is a castle situated on a granite outcrop rising roughly 100 meters above the gorge of the Kleine Ohe river in Lower Bavaria. The current structure dates from around 1890 and blends medieval foundations with later modifications.

The castle was built in the early 1100s by the Bernstein nobility and came under the Counts of Hals in 1207. It experienced several centuries of ownership changes and destruction that shaped its current form.

The chapel here was dedicated in 1389 and shows how important religious spaces were within medieval Bavarian castles. Visitors can still observe how prayer and daily life were woven together in these fortified dwellings.

The castle sits on a steep granite outcrop, so visiting requires a steady footing and proper footwear. Access conditions can vary with the weather and season, so it is wise to check local conditions before setting out.

During the Austrian War of Succession, Franz von der Trenck seized the castle in 1742, looted it, and set it on fire. This violent episode left visible marks on the structures that remain to this day.