Burgstall Roggenstein, Medieval castle ruins in Emmering, Germany

Burgstall Roggenstein is a ruined medieval spur castle on a wooded moraine ridge called the Emmeringer Leite in Emmering, at 550 m above sea level. Two earthen ditches cut the ridge: a western neck ditch about 6 m deep and a second ditch about 35 m east, roughly 4 m deep. Beyond them a triangular plateau holds the Chapel of St. Georg.

The castle first appears in written records during the 14th century, but documents from 1371 show it was already abandoned by then. This early abandonment makes it an example of medieval fortifications that were left to decay relatively quickly.

The St. Georg Chapel displays wall paintings from the 15th century depicting scenes from the Passion of Christ. These artworks reflect the Upper Bavarian artistic tradition and show how important religious imagery was to people living in this area.

The best way to visit is on foot, as you need to walk up the moraine ridge to reach the ruins. Forest paths lead to the castle remains and help orient you as you explore the fortification.

The 1989 discovery of a Carolingian-Ottonian enamel disc brooch at the foot of the castle hill shows the spur was in use by the late 9th century, centuries before the castle is first documented in 1317. The brooch does not prove a fortress stood there, only that people used the site.