Burgruine Schellenberg

Burgruine Schellenberg is a rock castle ruin built on a natural stone formation near Georgenberg, featuring massive granite blocks and a solid foundation. The structure integrates with the mountain's geology and offers a wide view of the surrounding landscape from above.

Emperor Ludwig the Bavarian built this border fortress in 1347 to prevent raids from Bohemia and control trade routes through the region. The fortress fell in 1498 during a siege when cannon fire destroyed its defenses, after which it remained abandoned.

The place is connected to the legend of the Schellenbergmannl, a figure from local folklore that remains part of the region's stories today. The ruins show traces of medieval border guard traditions and remind visitors of a time when this spot shaped daily life in the area.

The ruins are reachable via a marked hiking trail from the Planer-Höhe parking lot, which climbs through the forest up the mountainside. The walk takes about 30 minutes and is manageable for visitors with average fitness, though sturdy footwear is helpful on uneven ground.

A wooden observation tower at the ruins provides views of distant Flossenbürg and Parkstein remains visible on the horizon. This spot ranks as one of the highest viewpoints in the Upper Palatinate, allowing sight of several neighboring castles on clear days.