Burgruine, Medieval castle ruins in Lichtenberg, Germany

Burgruine is a medieval castle ruin located on a hilltop near Lichtenberg in Bavaria. The site spreads across a large area with preserved stone walls, arches, and foundation structures that visitors can see as they explore.

Burg Lichtenberg was probably built in the 12th century, possibly by the Dukes of Merania, who died out in 1248; the castle then passed by inheritance through Beatrix of Orlamünde to the Counts of Orlamünde. In 1427 Count Sigismund had to enfeoff it to Elector Frederick I of Brandenburg, and it was soon sold to Caspar von Waldenfels. Imperial troops under Heinrich von Plauen destroyed it in 1554 during the Second Margrave War. A castle-like rebuilding from 1560 burned down in 1634 and again in 1682, after which it was left in ruins.

The town of Lichtenberg grew directly against the castle spur, and its historic core is still enclosed by defensive walls that extended the castle's protection. The main street climbs past the town hall up to the castle area on the hill to the north.

The castle area sits directly above Lichtenberg's old town; the main street climbs past the town hall up to the hilltop. The site is reached on foot, and the approach from other directions is steep because the ground falls away like a mountain spur. The Schlossbergturm viewing tower in the courtyard is 25 m tall, and the extensive cellars were renovated in recent years.

The 25-metre Schlossbergturm viewing tower was built in 1936 on the seven-metre stump of the medieval bergfried. Below the courtyard, extensive cellars were restored in recent years. From the top, the view reaches the hills and valleys north of Lichtenberg.