Burg Falkenfels, Medieval castle in Falkenfels, Germany

Burg Falkenfels is a hilltop castle on the 507.2-metre Burgberg in Falkenfels, Lower Bavaria. Its 13th-century bergfried stands mid-way along the east side, topped by later crenellations, and the north side keeps the remains of two terraced ring walls. The baroque St. Josef chapel, built in the 17th century on medieval foundations, holds gravestones of castle lords.

The Counts of Bogen built the castle around 1100 on a rock that drops steeply on three sides. From 1232 the Knights of Hohenfels held it, followed around 1400 by the Falkensteiner family. Hussite troops plundered it in 1425, and in 1492 it was besieged for a week in the Löwlerkrieg and burned after capitulation on 8 June, then rebuilt by Hans von Paulsdorf. A Swedish fire in 1641 and another blaze in 1807 were also followed by reconstruction.

The baroque chapel displays tombstones of former castle lords built upon medieval foundations, showing how faith and rule were intertwined at this location. Visitors can see layers of different periods in a single space.

The castle is accessible through the northern fortification walls and the 13th-century tower offers views across the surrounding region. Visitors should be prepared for the steep location and wear appropriate footwear for climbing.

From 1821 to 1934, the Lang family operated a brewery on the castle grounds, making it a hub for local beer production in an unexpected way. After this unusual chapter, it was transformed into a hotel and restaurant in 1951.