Burgruine Zabelstein, Castle ruin in Hundelshausen, Germany

Burgruine Zabelstein is the ruin of a spur castle on a 475-metre-high spur plateau of the northern Zabelstein in the Steigerwald, in the unincorporated area of Hundelshausen near Michelau, Lower Franconia. A Vorburg was reached through a neck ditch guarded by two round towers before the core castle; today remains of the round towers, castle cellars, low walls and ditches survive.

The castle was founded around 1000 by the Zabelsteiner family, who died out in 1303, after which it passed to the Bishopric of Würzburg. Under the prince-bishops it became one of the most powerful fortresses on the Main and stored valuable documents and the episcopal treasure. It was destroyed in 1525 during the German Peasants' War under Hans Jüst, rebuilt in 1586 by Prince-Bishop Julius Echter, and after a fire in 1689 served as a quarry, including for the church in Donnersdorf.

The name comes from the Zabelsteiner family, extinct in 1303, after which the castle passed to the Bishopric of Würzburg. From Easter through the summer months, an outdoor refreshment stand with seating operates in the ruin, so visitors can combine a hike with a stop among the old walls.

The site is accessible via several hiking trails and sits on a hilltop with good views of the surroundings. Visitors should wear sturdy footwear and allow time for the uphill walk.

The 19-metre observation tower beside the ruin was built in 1999; from its top the view reaches as far as the Rhône and Thuringia. From Easter through the summer months, a refreshment stand with service operates in the castle ruin.