Ochsensteiner Schloss

Pleisweiler-Oberhofen, Germany, Germany

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Ochsensteiner Schloss near Pleisweiler-Oberhofen in Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany, likely refers to remnants or a later structure tied to the medieval Burg Ochsenstein, a 12th-century hill fortress built by the Ochsenstein family as part of a defensive chain in the Vosges guarding Alsace-Lorraine passages.

First mentioned in 1187 under Bourcard von Ochsenstein during Frederick Barbarossa's era, it was divided among heirs like Otto II and endured attacks, including destruction around 1284 by foes of Otto IV before quick rebuilds, serving as a noble seat through partitions and feuds.

Passing to families like Deux-Ponts-Bitche and Hanau-Lichtenberg, it burned in 1559, fell into ruin by the 18th century with stones reused for local buildings, leaving scant traces amid the Pfälzerwald today.