Bärnfels Castle, Medieval castle ruins in Obertrubach, Germany.
Bärnfels Castle is a medieval castle ruin located on a hillside in the Franconian landscape of Upper Franconia. The remains consist of stone walls and foundations that still reveal the layouts of the former structures.
The castle was built around 1330 and initially belonged to the Egloffstein family before being sold to the Bishopric of Bamberg in 1580. Later, the site returned to Egloffstein family ownership.
The ruins reflect medieval Frankonian castle design, where such fortifications shaped the landscape and served as symbols of local power. Visitors can still trace the building foundations and see how these structures fit into the region's defensive network.
The ruins are accessible via marked hiking trails from Obertrubach village, with stone steps leading up to the castle grounds. Sturdy footwear is recommended since the terrain is uneven and the climb becomes steep.
The castle sits on a distinctive rocky spur that is visible from far away and dominates the landscape. This strategic location reveals why the site was so important for a medieval fortification.
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