Burg Schwarzenfels

Burg Schwarzenfels is a castle complex perched on a 427-meter hilltop featuring a medieval core structure and residential buildings from different periods. The buildings display a mix of stone masonry and timber framing, with the keep representing the oldest section of the site.

The castle was built in 1280 and came into the hands of the House of Hanau in 1333, who used it as an administrative center. It suffered major damage during the Thirty Years' War and was never fully rebuilt afterward.

The Renaissance portal from 1621 displays intricate stonework with columns and a knight figure, reflecting the artistic taste of that era. The decorated facade shows how the castle owners wanted to display their status and cultural connections across Europe.

The site offers accommodations for about 44 guests, a cafe, and event spaces for different occasions. It is open from March to November on weekends and public holidays, with access to the hilltop on foot.

From the tower, visitors can see over 100 kilometers across the landscape on clear days, overlooking the Rhön hills and the northern Spessart region. This view is possible because of the castle's exposed position on the hilltop ridge.