Burgruine Roßstein, Medieval castle ruin in Hohenburg, Germany.
Burgruine Roßstein is a medieval castle set on a rocky outcrop surrounded by steep cliffs on three sides and protected by a deep moat carved into the stone. The site contains a residential tower with vaulted cellars, a shield wall on the western side, and scattered wall remnants that show the fortress's former defensive layout.
The fortress first appeared in records in 1331 under Konrad Erlheimer's control and served as an important stronghold for generations. A major fire caused significant damage in 1411, but the ruins were rebuilt and remained occupied until they were finally abandoned around 1563.
The castle's name comes from Old High German 'hros', meaning horses, which later became Middle High German 'ros' for knights' warhorses. This naming choice reflects how the fortress was tied to cavalry and medieval warfare.
The ruins are freely accessible and can be reached by parking at Spießhof and following marked trails through the forest. Wear suitable footwear as the paths are uneven and access involves crossing rocky ground.
The residential tower features large windows in its upper floors, which hints at comfort and living space unusual for castles of that era. This suggests the site served domestic purposes beyond just military defense.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
