Wolfstein Castle

Neumarkt in der Oberpfalz, Germany, Germany

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Wolfstein Castle (Burgruine Wolfstein) is a medieval hilltop castle ruin overlooking the town of Neumarkt in der Oberpfalz in Bavaria, Germany. Archaeological evidence suggests it was built in the mid-12th century and later became the seat of the noble Wolfstein family. The castle played an important role in the region during the Middle Ages but gradually lost its significance after suffering damage during the Landshut War of Succession in 1504. Over the following centuries it was abandoned and fell into ruin. Today, the restored ruins are one of Neumarkt’s most recognizable landmarks. Situated about 150 meters above the town on Wolfstein Hill, the site offers panoramic views of the surrounding Upper Palatinate landscape. Visitors can explore surviving walls, the former castle grounds, and the 22-meter-high keep, which is accessible during guided visits in the warmer months. Extensive archaeological excavations and preservation work since the 1990s have helped protect the castle and reveal features such as the chapel, moat, residential buildings, and defensive structures, making it a popular destination for both history enthusiasts and hikers.