Burg Altnußberg

Geiersthal, Germany

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Burg Altnußberg is a medieval hilltop castle ruin located in Geiersthal, Bavaria, Germany, built between 1174 and 1194 by the Nußberger family, ministerials to the Counts of Bogen.

The castle served as an important stronghold during the Middle Ages with a two-part design featuring a 22-meter-high pentagonal bergfried (main tower), thick defensive walls, bastions, living quarters, a chapel, and a cistern. The castle was first mentioned in documents in 1255 and later came under the ownership of the Degenberg family. It was involved in regional conflicts such as the Böcklerkrieg (a knights' rebellion) in 1468-69, during which it suffered damage.

After centuries of neglect and overgrowth, significant archaeological excavations and partial restorations took place from 1983 to 1999. Today, the bergfried serves as a lookout tower, and a nearby museum displays artifacts found on-site, reflecting the castle’s history and medieval life.