Schloss Ernsthofen

Schloss Ernsthofen is a medieval castle in Modautal featuring a three-story manor house with a mansard roof flanked by two round towers at its western corners. The structure uses plastered rubble stone walls and forms a compact fortified complex.

The site developed from a Frankish settlement in the 8th century into a castle by the 12th century, taking its name from Ernst's court which also influenced the town's name. The medieval fortress then underwent continuous rebuilding and adaptation over the following centuries.

The castle appears in two local legends: the White Lady of Ernsthofen and the tale of the castle gatekeeper, stories still told by residents today. These stories show how strongly the region feels connected to this place.

The castle is privately owned and not open to the public for visits or tours. Visitors can only view it from outside and photograph it from nearby roads.

The medieval great tower was transformed into a Renaissance residential tower and lost its defensive features during this conversion. This change shows how the castle shifted from a purely military structure to a comfortable dwelling.