Burgruine Beilstein

Burgruine Beilstein is a medieval fortress located near Jossgrund at approximately 500 meters elevation. The remains include wall sections with roughly 12-meter base dimensions, with some portions still reaching heights of about 3 meters.

The fortress was first documented in 1059 and originally protected the northern territories of Aschaffenburg and Spessart. By 1427 the structure began to decay and was gradually abandoned as a functioning stronghold.

The ruins once served as a judicial center for the Jossa Valley until legal functions moved elsewhere in 1571. Visitors can sense how important these fortifications were for organizing and governing the surrounding region.

A marked cycling route called Perlen der Jossa passes below the ruins and includes informational stops about the site and surroundings. The terrain is hilly, so sturdy footwear is recommended for exploring the area.

The area around the ruins serves as a winter habitat for protected bat species and is designated as a Fauna-Flora-Habitat. This protection status makes it an interesting location for observing wildlife, particularly during cooler months.