Eisenberg Castle, Medieval hilltop castle ruin in Pfronten, Germany
Eisenberg Castle is a hilltop ruin above the town of Eisenberg in the Allgäu region of Bavaria. Parts of the outer walls remain standing alongside the traces of residential buildings, a kitchen, and a chapel.
The Lords of Hohenegg built the fortress in 1315 after losing an earlier stronghold to forces from Tyrol. The new site served as a refuge and a base for protecting their lands in the region.
The name of the site comes from the town that sits directly below it. Visitors can still trace the outlines of the different areas that once structured daily life within the fortification, from the living quarters to the chapel.
The ruin is reached by a walking trail that climbs from the center of Pfronten, so allow extra time for the uphill section. Sturdy footwear is a good idea, as the path can be slippery after rain.
Hohenfreyberg Castle stands only about 650 feet (200 meters) away, meaning two separate medieval strongholds once occupied the same ridge side by side. Having two distinct fortresses this close together on a single hilltop is highly unusual in this part of Europe.
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