Burg Beilstein, Medieval castle ruins in Greifenstein, Germany
Burg Beilstein is a castle set on elevated terrain in Greifenstein, featuring a five-sided tower roughly 25 meters tall as its most prominent feature. The tower functions as a vantage point overlooking the surrounding landscape and forms the core of the remaining structure.
The castle was first documented in 1268 as Bilstein Castle and later came under the control of the House of Metternich starting in 1637. French troops destroyed it subsequently, which transformed it into the ruin visible today.
The castle now functions as a residential facility for people with disabilities, giving it a living character quite different from a museum display. This active use as a home adds a modern social dimension to the medieval structure visible during a visit.
The grounds are accessible year-round without time restrictions, and parking is available near the entrance for visitors. The elevated location requires a short walk from the parking area up to the castle, so be prepared for a modest climb.
The five-sided tower is an uncommon shape for fortifications in German-speaking regions, reflecting unusual design choices by medieval builders. This geometric feature stands out for visitors interested in how castles were constructed and planned differently across time periods.
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