Gößweinstein Castle

Gößweinstein Castle is a stone fortress rising on a hilltop above the market town and the Wiesent river, featuring defensive towers and residential areas built over different periods. The grounds include a museum with medieval exhibits, a beer garden, and a terrace with views across the valley.

The castle was built in the Middle Ages and served early on as a fortress with military purposes, as shown by its use as a prison in 1076. In the 19th century, the structure underwent major renovation and was redesigned in the Neogothic style.

The castle and its surroundings reflect centuries of life in this small Franconian town, with the stone fortress becoming a gathering place for visitors and locals. Walking through the grounds, you notice how the castle defines the landscape and gives the settlement below its character and identity.

You can visit the castle year-round and explore the rooms, grounds, and outdoor terrace. It is wise to wear sturdy shoes since the climb is steep and the paths can be uneven.

The castle owes its current appearance to Baron Edgar von Sohlern, who completely rebuilt it in the 1890s in the style of that era. This transformation turned a crumbling building into a new landmark that still defines the town's character today.