Falkenstein Castle (Upper Palatinate)

Falkenstein Castle (Burg Falkenstein) crowns a granite cone about 60 m (200 ft) above the small spa town of Falkenstein in the Upper Palatinate, on the edge of the Bavarian Forest. Surrounded by a wooded park full of huge granite boulders, it is the landmark of the front Bavarian Forest. Climb the medieval keep for wide views over the hills, then wander through the rocks below.

Where it is and how to get there

Falkenstein lies in the district of Cham, roughly 40 km (25 miles) northeast of Regensburg, the nearest large city. The town no longer has a railway; the old branch line from Regensburg has closed, so a car is the easiest option. Check regional bus connections in the DB app if you travel without one. From the market square, a footpath leads up to the castle.

Why it matters

The castle is first recorded in 1129. Its oldest part, the keep, stands on the highest point of the rock, with walls about 2.6 m (8.5 ft) thick at the base. Around 1600 it was extended in palace style with a two-story arcade that still survives. Swedish troops burned it in 1634 during the Thirty Years' War. After centuries of decline, the princely house of Thurn und Taxis gave it to the town in the late 1960s, and it was restored in the 1970s.

What you will see

• The keep with battlements and a panoramic view
• The arcaded courtyard, a summer theater stage since 1976
• The small castle chapel reached by old stone steps
• The rock park, with granite boulders and forest trails

Opening hours and tickets (as of October 2026)

According to the town, the tower is open daily from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. and costs €1 (bring an exact coin; no change is available). The hunting and wildlife museum in the castle is closed until further notice, and the castle restaurant is currently closed as well. Ask the Falkenstein tourist office about guided tours.

Is it worth visiting?

It is a pleasant stop if you are exploring the Bavarian Forest or the area around Regensburg and Cham, especially with kids who enjoy climbing towers and rocks. Allow 45 minutes to two hours. The paths include steps and uneven rock, so they are not suitable for wheelchairs or strollers. In summer, check the program of the courtyard theater festival.