Falkenstein Castle, Medieval castle ruin in Königstein im Taunus, Germany

Falkenstein Castle is a medieval castle ruin set on a wooded ridge near Königstein im Taunus in the Taunus hills of Hesse. The surviving remains include sections of the outer wall, a bergfried tower, a shield wall, and an old water cistern within the courtyard.

The castle was built in the mid-14th century by the lords of Bolanden-Falkenstein as New Falkenstein, next to the older Nüring Castle. It was first mentioned in 1364 during the imperial war against Philip VI of Falkenstein. After the Thirty Years' War it lost importance and decayed; parts were lived in until about 1780, and demolition was stopped in 1842.

The ruins still show the typical layout of a medieval hilltop castle, with gateways and defensive passages that visitors can walk through today. The stone walls and tower base give a clear sense of how the space was once organized and used.

The ruins are reached on foot via marked hiking trails from Königstein im Taunus, where parking is available near the trailhead. The path climbs steadily and can be slippery in wet weather, so sturdy footwear makes the walk more comfortable.

The only cellar inside the castle was uncovered in the 1970s by the Falkenstein Male Voice Choir, which still holds a public summer festival in the ruins. Until the 1980s a small group of ibex from the Opel Zoo at the foot of the Burghain lived on the site.