Altenstein Castle

Maroldsweisach, Germany, Germany

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Altenstein Castle is a medieval ruin perched above Altenstein in Markt Maroldsweisach, Lower Franconia, Germany, with origins tracing to a rock fortress first indirectly mentioned in 1225 and directly in 1231 as the seat of the free knights of Stein zu Altenstein.

It evolved into a Ganerbenburg shared by multiple family branches by the 13th-14th centuries, serving as vassals to the Prince-Bishops of Würzburg while gaining local influence, high court rights from Emperor Charles V in 1549, and enduring damages from the Peasants' War in 1525 and Thirty Years' War.

The family abandoned it around 1703 for a valley palace, leading to decay until limited 19th-20th century repairs by later owners like the Rotenhans, with the Haßberge district preserving its 13th-16th century remnants—including a gatehouse, towers, chapel, and buttressed walls—for hiking and views today.