The Ruins of Castle Falkenstein near Pfronten

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Situated at 1268 meters above the sea level and the highest castle ruin of Germany. The castle was built in 1059 as fortress for the bishop of Augsburg. The smallness of the construction and the naming could possibly explained that it was built by the bishop for the hunt around the mountain Falkenstein. With the establishment of the "Vogtei" Falkenstein in 1310 it was used as an office for the installed functionary and ended the utilization as summer residence. Since the end of the 16th century no functionary was present and the castle has fallen into disrepair.

With King Ludwig II purchase of the building it was again paid attention. The romantic beauty interested him. In moonlit nights he enjoyed alone the dreamy and extensive view over his country from the ruin. A new castle should be built here and in 1885 the construction of water pipes started. The castle remained a dream after the death of king Ludwig in 1886.

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