Burgruine Neideck

We've been meaning to check out this ruin for a while now. Unfortunately life likes to get a head of us and it was put to the back burner. I'm not sure I could always visit castle ruins, they're fun to explore, but it's not the only thing to see in Europe! But if you need something to do, and the sun is out shinning, there is nothing better to do on a Sunday than to go outside and explore... and this is the perfect place!

The ruin Neideck is one of the most famous sights of the Franconian Switzerland with beautiful views of the Wiesenttal between Streitberg and Muggendorf. The ruin Neideck is the largest castle ruin in Franconian Switzerland! Best of all it's FREE to explore! Neideck is even the emblem of the Franconian Switzerland. It was first mentioned in documents in 1219 and was inhabited at that time by the key Bergern.

From the parking area, follow the trail, it leads past the swimming pool and runs towards Weiler Hague. There are two pathways up to the ruins; One way, you could follow the bike path, if you have a stroller I would suggest taking this way. During the summer, they are many flowers and wild strawberries which offer up beautiful views of the castle,  again and again. The path runs as a broad road, which makes it easy to navigate with a stroller! The hardest part of the hike is at the base of Hague, the path branches off to the right and uphill. First, the incline is moderate, but the portion just before the ruined castle is steep (but this part is passable with a stroller).

When you get to this sign post, follow the sign to Ruine Neideck if you want to take the bike trail.

The second way is a shorter route (about 20 min.), which branches off to the right at the Swimming pool. At the fork in the road, the path zigzags uphill, leading you on a more direct route to the ruins. If you're not very athletic, older, or just don't want to work too hard, this way is probably not the way you want to take. Although it is more direct, it is much steeper, and a significantly more difficult route.

Following this sign will lead you to the ruins via the more... vertical/difficult trail.

We chose to take the bike path up, since that's where the signs say to go, but ended up taking the shorter route down hill. I would suggest doing it this way as well, as it made for an easy hike, with nice views.

In the ruins, there are individual areas that offer many places to make a break or even the perfect place to snap a few pictures. All around the ruins are signs about the history of the castle, which would be great... if you can read German.

The large castle complex consists of three deep neck trenches through separate sections. The outer bailey was secured at approximately 100 meters long, 22 meters wide and about 7 meters deep trench. The high defensive wall was built around 1300. From the other buildings are only small traces of foundation available. Up at the top of the ruins, there are trails that continue  over a wooden bridge, which leads to the interior of the ruins, where the tower can be climbed. Climbing the tower is safe for pets and those with children.

The main castle is located on a projecting northeast Outcrop. The mighty residential tower rises three stories high in the air. It was built after the destruction of the castle in 1347, around the still-usable older foundations and wall coatings.

From the 13th century the Neideck castle has played an important role as the main castle of the noble family of Schlüsselberger. Since 2008, the flag of Schlüsselberger has been flown again in the Neideck.

Some trivia, I found out after doing some research was that in 1737 a reddish and yellowish marble was mined of a break on the Neideck. This marble was used to build the Würzburg Residence and the amenities of Gößweinsteiner Basilica.

If you're looking for other things to do in the area about 400 meters above the ruins is the Neideckgrotte that was part of an earlier cave system. There are signs that show you the way.

We've seen a lot of castle ruins, and luckily there hasn't been one we haven't enjoyed visiting, this one included! We just bought new hiking boots and needed a place to try them out.

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Opening times: 24 hours a day

Admission: free

GPS Address: Am Freibad 7 91346 Wiesenttal  

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Burgruine Thierstein

Ever drive up or down A93 near Marktredwitz, to see a tower and castle staring at you? We must have drove past Burgruine Thierstein countless times. Taking advantage of the fact that there was no snow during winter break we decided to head up to these ruins.

 The castle ruins Thierstein is located on a highly visible basalt rock. well-preserved, 24 m high made ​​of granite rubble. The origins of the town are closely linked with the construction of the castle. After the founding of the manor, the first farmers and artisans to settle, which were responsible for the care of the castle dwellers and were used for defense in wartime. Thierstein was built in 1343. The Spur castle was on a narrow, directed to the northeast basalt spur built by an in southwest moat is separated from the inland side terrain. A second moat, of the elongated outer bailey from the main castle separated, was filled in the 19th century.

The highly visible ruins are a popular tourist destination. From surviving donjon, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the entire interior of Fichtelgebirges well into the Egerland.

We parked in front of the Tourist Information and followed the signs to the Burgruine. There was a sign with a key on it, which I took to mean that we had to pick up a key to the castle. (How cool would it be to be the Key holders to a castle?) Unfortunately, when we got to the top we had no idea where to go!

We talked about heading back to the car, and heading home, when I noticed that the gate was unlocked! There was a German family already inside, we were lucky enough to catch them as they were heading out. They even took time and explained some of the castle information to us. They gave us the key and told us where to drop it off. For future reference--the white house on the left before you reach the castle, in their newspaper mail slot, you can find the key--if not ring the door bell and the key keeper will be happy to bring it to you. They do ask for a 1.50€ donation per person for up keep of the ruins.

We walked around the inside of the ruins--the ruins it self is pretty small. There is a stage in the center of the ruins, during the summer they hold a week long concert there! I love finding ruins that do this. One day I'll be able to say I've attended a concert in a castle ruin!

The main focal point of this ruin is the tower. Since you can see it from the Autobahn, we figured it would give us the best views. The top of the tower didn't disappoint. The only problem--I'm afraid of heights! We started climbing the stairs and by the time we got to the second landing, I told Drew I couldn't go higher.

Luckily Drew isn't afraid of heights, and he took Rylie off leash and let her run up the stairs. It was the perfect place to let her run around since there was only one way up and down. They seemed to have a good time. Drew called it the never ending tower, apparently the tower went up for 4 more floors! I'm glad I stopped when I did. 

But if you're pretty brave I'd keep climbing, there are medieval weapons, maps of the old floor plan, info about the castle (for those who can read German), but the best part is the top floor. It is a little tight, the opening was barely big enough to fit Rylie (and she's only 40 lbs). 

Drew said he basically had to lay down on the steps in order to get through the opening to the top. Drew said that at the top floor there were windows that faced out in all directions, and even had the compass directions (N, S, E, W), the windows were able to open and there was even a sign that told you what town you were looking at.

Drew and Rylie had a great time up there. Rylie even tried to look out of every single window. The views from the top were apparently amazing. It makes me kinda wish I was able to get to the top. But I happily stayed at the bottom enjoying  my view of the Autobahn.

But if you're like me and heights aren't you're thing, still take the time and visit this ruin Since we pass this ruin all the time while driving home, I was glad we were finally able to see it! Plus, it is a well-preserved ruin.

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Burgruine Hohenberneck

The day after Christmas, or boxing day, is usually spent either lounging at home or off shopping. In Germany, December 26th is a Holiday. So of course what else could we do on a beautiful day, but check out castle ruins?Google is such an amazing tool. I wanted to check out a new castle ruin so in Google Maps, I typed in Burgruine, and Burgruine Hohenberneck popped up. Actually a bunch popped up, but Hohenberneck was the one that caught my eye, and the best part about it, it was only 35 minutes away from me! On Google it says that the Ruins are only open until 12:30 pm, by the time we figured out where we had wanted to go, it was already 12:30 pm We decided to take a chance and check it out anyways. Luckily it was open! That the best thing about ruins, they're usually always open. I'm not sure why Google tells you it's closed, It's open every day, unless there is an event going on, but that's only during the summer.When looking up an address for the Castle ruins, I had to put in a nearby resturaunt, since there was no real address for the ruins. Luckily, we parked right next to the entrance of the pathway. (Side note; there is a little parking lot at the entrance, and during the weekday you will have to pay for it.)The hike up to the ruins is pretty easy. Once you get to the top you'll see the Tower Castle, or Alt Berneck. Don't stop there, keep walking! The ruins are located on castle hill in Bas Berneck. There are actually 3 ruins located next to each other. The Hohenberneck, the "Old castle", and the "Tower Castle" or Alt-Berneck.Burgruine Hohenberneck is the furthest away. We checked out the Old Castle on our way to Hohbenberneck, but at the time had no idea which was which! There are of course some signs and information placard at each of the three ruins, however, it is only in German, so they won't help if you can't read German.The Old Castle is a simple ruin consisting of a single structure with a few rooms. Although it looks, today, nothing like it did in it's prime, it is easy to see that the building must have been very beautiful. Interestingly enough, the "Old Castle" is where the Chapel used to be located, and during the height of the castle's reign, was located within the castle's defenses.

Hohenberneck is located in the North. To enter the castle ruins, you have to cross a small wooden bridge that stands where the original drawbridge once stood. The drawbridge itself clearly shows the late Gothic style of the castle. It is probably one of the smallest castle ruins we've ever visited, but it was unique in that the ruins themselves were a little unique. Just by looking at the pictures, you can see how the castle is slightly different than other ruins we have visited. One interesting feature that you can't see in pictures is that in 1506, the castle was fitted with tubular wells. Meaning the castle had running water! This is a very interesting feature, and actually helped to provide some historical records of the castle.In the east, the circular tower was incorporated into the construction of the wall. There are two circular bastions at the sides of the eastern tower, which are all that remains of the former towers in the castle ramparts. The powerful cannon tower in the northwest is popularly known as "the dungeon", but in fact, it never served as a tower dungeon, but was instead incorporated into the base of the wall as a defense structure. The most prominent building on the castle was the "Palas", or residential building. It is worth note that the unequal arrangement of the window and door openings, which corresponded to the taste of medieval nobility. The relative comfort of a castle of the late Middle Ages can be seen today by the beautiful bay window above the entrance on the south side, and the two embedded wall openings on the ground floor, which historians interpret as former fireplaces. The beauty of this castle can still be seen today. In comparison to other Castle Ruins, Hohenberneck is relatively new. The castle period is considered to be mid-15th century.The views of the town are absolutely beautiful. The sun was not cooperating with me when I wanted to take pictures. I was half joking that the sun is only out when I didn't want it to be. Since all the best photo opportunities involved staring the sun in the face, we didn't get as many good pictures as I would have hoped. But at least the sun was out! I got to use my fancy new USF sun glasses! :)
After checking out the ruins, and letting Rylie run off some energy. We headed off to the Tower. There is a seating area, and a stage. I wondered why, after doing some research I found out that during the summer they host open-air concerts!

What an awesome view!

Drew caught Rylie and I taking selfies!

Here's the picture! haha

This is the third ruin we've visited where they hold concerts during the summer. I think it's such a a great idea. I would love to attend an outdoor concert as a castle ruin! Unfortunately, we haven't had the opportunity, yet. One day though. If you ever get the opportunity, make sure this castle ruin is on your list!--Additional Info:GPS Address: Hofer Str. 12, 95460 Bad Berneck in Fichtelgebrige (Address to Hotel, you will see the ruins next to it)Cost: FreePet-FriendlyKid FriendlyParking: Next to the Hotel, pay to park during the week

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