Castles around Eschlkam are found in a historic market town in the Upper Palatinate region of Bavaria, Germany, near the border with Bohemia. The area was historically a fortified economic center, with a past rich in defensive structures. Today, visitors can explore remnants of ancient fortifications and more preserved Baroque castles. The landscape offers a blend of historical sites within a natural setting.
Last updated: June 24, 2026
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Magnificent view from up there. Definitely worth a detour.
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This is a fantastic castle ruin with a great view. The ruin is very impressive and has lots of information boards. There are several hiking trails to this ruin, short or long, anything is possible! In the ruin there are several comfortable places to sit and take a break. There is also a wonderful viewing point with a bench. Access is always possible and free!
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Very informative and beautiful castle ruins. The walk is worth it.
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Runding Castle Ruins Otto von Runding is mentioned in 1118 as a ministerial of the Margraves of Cham. Various lines then shared the castle, and Rudiger, who lived on the nearby Haidstein, Adalbert and Adelheid are mentioned several times in documents. From 1300 onwards, however, the family ran into financial difficulties and had to sell more and more parts of the estate, including to the Chamerauers, Zengers and Fraunbergers. While the impoverished Rundingers ultimately had to move to Cham, Heinrich V. Nothafft of Wernberg gradually managed to acquire all parts from 1413 onwards. Heinrich Nothafft was an important man in the governments of the Bavarian dukes and achieved considerable wealth. It was probably also he who had Runding expanded into a large, late medieval castle complex. In the 16th century, the Nothaffts ran into financial difficulties due to guarantees they had provided and had to sell to Ludwig von Eyb. In 1618, Hans Albrecht Nothafft managed to regain possession of the castle through marriage. The castle was plundered and burned down twice by the Swedes during the Thirty Years' War (1633, 1641). In the 16th and 17th centuries, the Nothaffts built Runding into a large castle with stables, utility rooms, and apartments for servants. The Nothafft family got into more and more debts, and by the time of the forced sale in 1829, the family had accumulated a mountain of debt of 300,000 guilders. The new owners ordered the castle to be demolished. It continued to decay until 1992, and only since then have extensive security measures been taken. All that is left of the high medieval castle today is the stump of a residential tower or former keep in the middle on a rock. This tower was the core of the original castle, probably surrounded by a ring wall. Later, the central rock tower was used to build the baroque chapel and the tower was demolished. The two round towers made of large rubble stones, which formed a former gate open to the southeast, may date from the early 14th century. The medieval buildings that are visible today are primarily the palace and the large tower in the northwest, the lower floor of which was also used as a prison. The complex is designed with elaborate defenses in mind: it is surrounded by a completely circular enclosure with corner towers, a deep circular moat and a rampart. Source: Excerpts from www.burgenseite.de
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Very well-preserved ruins of the former castle complex with numerous short descriptive boards. Audio guide can be scanned as a QR code at the entrance.
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A castle ruin that is well worth seeing and has been excellently repaired and signposted by the Runding Castle Friends.
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Rýzmberk Castle is located near the town of Kdyně, in the Plzeň Region. The Gothic castle was built at the request of King Otakar II Přemysl in the second half of the 13th century. Diepold Schwihau von Riesenberg is mentioned as one of the first owners in 1279. At that time, the castle served to guard the pass on the Regensburger Steig on the main connection from Prague to Regensburg. Impressive entrance offers the - Vstupní brána - entrance gate to the former castle complex. The castle tower now serves as a lookout tower. On the back of the mountain is also the former "Lesní divadlo - Forest Theater"
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Easy to climb good stairs but a bit darker inside.
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The Eschlkam area offers a diverse range of historical fortifications. You can find remnants of medieval castle ruins like Lichteneck Castle Ruins and Schwarzenburg Castle Ruins, which is known as one of the largest in Bavaria. There are also unique sites such as the fortified church, Kirchenburg Eschlkam, and the well-preserved Baroque Schloss Stachesried, which now functions as a guesthouse and butcher shop.
Yes, several castles around Eschlkam are suitable for families. Schwarzenburg Castle Ruins and Runding Castle Ruins are both marked as family-friendly and offer extensive grounds to explore. For a unique experience, consider Fairy Tale Castle Lambach, which features a collection of fairy tale depictions and a gift shop.
For expansive views, visit Lichteneck Castle Ruins, where the accessible tower provides great panoramas. Schwarzenburg Castle Ruins and Runding Castle Ruins also offer breathtaking panoramic views from their elevated positions. Additionally, Rýzmberk Castle Ruins and Observation Tower features a lookout tower for elevated perspectives.
Absolutely. The region around Eschlkam is excellent for outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking routes, including easy loops like the 'Dragon Lake – View of the dragon lake loop from Eschlkam'. For cyclists, there are many MTB trails, such as the 'Dragon Lake – Schwirzer Memorial loop'. You can also find running trails to explore the natural surroundings.
Kirchenburg Eschlkam was not a traditional castle but a fortified church, signifying Eschlkam's role as a strategically important, fortified economic hub between Bavaria and Bohemia. It represents the oldest known village settlement in the border forest and once included a 'Pflegerschloss' (bailiff's castle) that was destroyed during the Thirty Years' War. Today, you can explore remnants of its medieval church fortification, including a round tower that now serves as a Lourdes chapel.
Yes, Lichteneck Castle Ruins is listed as dog-friendly, making it a great option for exploring with your canine companion. Always ensure dogs are kept on a leash and follow any local regulations.
Schloss Stachesried stands out as a well-preserved Baroque castle from 1692, unlike many other fortifications in the area that are now ruins. Its unique feature is its current use: this former aristocratic manor house now operates as a guesthouse and butcher shop, offering a tangible connection between history and modern-day life. Architecturally, it boasts a representative Baroque portal with Tuscan pilasters and bay windows.
Visitors frequently highlight the impressive views from the castle ruins, such as those at Schwarzenburg Castle Ruins and Lichteneck Castle Ruins. The historical atmosphere and the opportunity to explore extensive grounds, like at Runding Castle Ruins, are also highly appreciated. The komoot community has shared over 550 photos and given more than 320 upvotes, reflecting a strong positive experience.
Yes, Rýzmberk Castle Ruins and Observation Tower features a prominent lookout tower. This Gothic castle complex allows visitors to climb the tower for elevated perspectives of the surrounding landscape. Lichteneck Castle Ruins also has an accessible tower offering great views.
Schwarzenburg Castle Ruins is known as one of the largest castle ruins in Bavaria, offering extensive grounds for exploration. Another significant site is Runding Castle Ruins, which is also referred to as the largest castle in the Bavarian Forest, inviting visitors on a journey through 900 years of history.
Yes, Lichteneck Castle Ruins has a local story about the lords of the castle using trickery to defeat their enemies, the Hohenbogeners, by inviting them to a feast while their own castle was set ablaze. This adds an intriguing layer to its medieval history.


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