Burgstall Altenschneeberg, Medieval castle ruins in Tiefenbach, Germany
Burgstall Altenschneeberg is a medieval hilltop castle set on a rocky spur about 765 meters above sea level near Tiefenbach. The ruins include walls and defensive structures spread across an oval-shaped area, with an upper and lower section separated by elevation differences.
The castle was likely built in the 13th century by the Counts of Ortenburg, with first written mention appearing in 1237. Over the following centuries, the fortress served strategic and administrative functions in the region before eventually being abandoned.
The site reveals how medieval nobility used high ground to project power over the surrounding region. Visitors walking through the ruins can sense the strategic importance this location held for controlling the valleys below.
The ruins are best reached on foot via marked hiking trails starting from parking near the Russenbräu inn in Tiefenbach. Wear sturdy footwear since the terrain is uneven and slopes can be steep in places.
The castle shows an unusual design with an elevated upper fortress roughly 10 meters above the lower section, reinforced by natural rock formations. This raised position provided extra defense and served as a final refuge during attacks.
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