Castles around Neunburg Vorm Wald are situated in the Upper Palatinate, a region characterized by its forest and lake landscapes. The area features a charming old town, particularly around the Palatine Palace complex, offering cultural programs throughout the year. This location near the Bohemian border has historically been significant, leading to the construction of numerous castles. The natural surroundings provide a setting for exploring historical sites.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
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Hiking around Neunburg Vorm Wald
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Castle ruins Haus Murach "Gerunc de Mourach" appears for the first time in a document in 1110. At that time he accompanied his feudal lord, the powerful Count Berengar II of Sulzbach, on the Italian campaign of Berengar's protégé, King Henry V. After the male line of the Sulzbach family died out, the Counts of Ortenburg inherited part of their dominion with the main towns of Warberg (Burgstall near Neunburg) and Murach in 1188. Later, the Ortenburgers even called themselves Counts of Murach. The ministerial family with the leading name Gerunc remained present in Obermurach. From 1268 to 1272, Obermurach was sold to the Upper Bavarian Duke Ludwig in a series of contracts. The castle was continually expanded and became famous for its stability; the Hussites besieged it in 1428 and 1433, but were unable to take it. During the course of the 14th century, the Murachers spread out to several castles in the Upper Palatinate region, for example to Thanstein or to Flügelsberg in the Altmühl valley. In 1489, Albrecht von Murach was a member of the Löwler uprising against the Bavarian duke. Obermurach survived these turbulences and even the Thirty Years' War relatively unscathed, but this can be explained by the fact that it had lost its military importance by then. In 1805, Obermurach, which was still well preserved at the time, was partially demolished and the stones used to build houses in the village. It was only secured from 1842 by the Oberviechtach district court; today it belongs to the Free State of Bavaria. You enter the extensive outer bailey through a simple gate, which is surrounded by a still well-preserved, high ring wall. It was mainly used for utility and residential buildings. The older inner bailey, which is located a little higher up, is on the east side of the complex. A 2 m thick shield wall shields it from the attack side in the south. The main castle is dominated by the 20 m high, square keep and a large tower-like residential building. The keep, with an entrance at a height of 8.5 m, was built in the lower part from large, regular granite blocks and probably dates from the 13th century. The castle chapel was probably located to the southwest of the keep, and the remains of a semicircular wall tower can be seen to the west. Source: Extracts from www.burgenseite.de
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Worthwhile old town with many sights. Beautiful city park for strolling and relaxing.
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Good panoramic view, very nice!
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Beautiful old town
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Only a ruin remains of the once impressive Murach Castle, first mentioned in documents in 1110. The keep, built around 1250, is the best preserved part of the complex to date. On the 20-meter-high tower there is a viewing platform from which you can enjoy a wonderful panoramic view of the surrounding area. The former castle is one of the largest and most impressive castles along the Bohemian border. !Attention! The key to the keep must be picked up in advance from the castle warden, Obermurach 58, Tel. 09671/91234.
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A beautiful and well-preserved ruin. Signs on the walls indicate its former function. From the palace there is a beautiful view of the complex and the surrounding area.
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Traditional village inn in Zangenstein Along the "Bavarian-Bohemian Friendship Cycle Path", which runs on the former railway line from Wölsendorf to Schönsee, there is only one place to stop during the weekday to Obervietach in the village inn Kellermann in the middle of Zangenstein. Since there are no signs along the cycle path, cyclists who do not know the restaurant pass the mostly open "refreshment station" unsuspectingly. Hence my tip: Simply cycle a few meters from the cycle path to the center of Zangenstein. Mondays are always closed, but guests are welcome on all other days of the week between 10am and 6pm. Edeltraud, a passionate landlady, provides her guests, who prefer to sit under the awning around the large table in the courtyard, with snacks and drinks. Franz, the landlord, is very knowledgeable about bikes and can help if someone has a problem with their bike. God preserve us beautiful village inns like that of the Edeltraud and Franz Stockerl families.
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Yes, several castles are suitable for families. Kürnburg Castle Ruins and Schwarzenburg Castle Ruins are both noted as family-friendly and offer interesting historical exploration. The Count Palatine Castle Complex Neunburg vorm Wald is also family-friendly, situated within a charming old town with cultural programs.
For impressive views, visit Kürnburg Castle Ruins, where a walk-in observation tower provides fantastic views over the Regental. The renovated keep at Schwarzenburg Castle Ruins also offers a panoramic viewing platform of the surrounding hills. Additionally, the 20-meter-high keep at Murach Castle provides impressive views of the Upper Palatinate Forest.
Yes, Schwarzenburg Castle Ruins has a cozy mountain lodge operated by an association in its upper courtyard, which is open on Wednesdays, Sundays, and public holidays from April to October. Near Zangenstein Castle Ruins and Chapel, you'll find the traditional village inn Kellermann in Zangenstein, offering snacks and drinks.
The castles can be visited throughout the year. However, the period from April to October is particularly pleasant, as the weather is generally milder and facilities like the mountain lodge at Schwarzenburg Castle Ruins are open. During winter, some areas might be less accessible, but the ruins themselves remain open.
Kürnburg Castle Ruins is one of the largest in the Upper Palatinate with extensive wall remains, including a gate tower and chapel. Schwarzenburg Castle Ruins is also well-preserved, with a renovated keep that is accessible to visitors.
The region around Neunburg vorm Wald offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for gravel biking, mountain biking, and road cycling. For example, there are challenging MTB trails like the 'Ruins of Schwarzenburg Castle – Eixendorfer Reservoir loop' near Schwarzenburg Castle Ruins, or road cycling routes like the 'Zangenstein Castle Ruins – Chapel Near Zangenstein loop' near Zangenstein Castle Ruins and Chapel. Explore more options in the Gravel biking around Neunburg Vorm Wald, MTB Trails around Neunburg Vorm Wald, and Road Cycling Routes around Neunburg Vorm Wald guides.
Yes, to visit the keep at Murach Castle, you need to contact the burgwart, Manfred Senft, at 09671/91234 to obtain the key. This ensures access to the viewing platform.
The castles in this region, such as Murach Castle, were often built to protect trade routes, like the one to Prague, due to the area's strategic location near the Bohemian border. They have seen numerous changes of ownership and played a role in regional conflicts, including the Thirty Years' War, which led to the destruction of some, like Schwarzenburg Castle Ruins.
While not a 'hidden gem' in the sense of being unknown, Zangenstein Castle Ruins and Chapel offers a beautiful castle chapel and is part of a charming town with local sights, providing a more intimate experience compared to larger, more frequented ruins.
The duration of your visit depends on the castle. For extensive ruins like Kürnburg Castle Ruins or Schwarzenburg Castle Ruins, plan for 1-2 hours to explore the remains, climb towers, and enjoy the views. If you combine it with a meal at a nearby tavern or a walk, allocate more time.
Many of the castles are situated on hills or within forested areas, making them ideal starting or ending points for walks. For example, Kürnburg Castle Ruins is located on a wooded hill and is easily accessible for walks, even with children. The region's natural surroundings are perfect for combining historical exploration with outdoor activity.


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