Burgruine Falkenstein

After the extinction of the family, Falkenstein came into the possession of the Witigonen in 1227. From Falkenstein, the Schlägl Abbey was founded by Chalhoch von Falkenstein. Falkenstein Castle gained sad notoriety through the fate of Zawisch, a loyal follower of Ottokar II of Bohemia. He was imprisoned and executed in Falkenstein by his stepson King Wenzel II. The Oberheimers took over the castle and dominion from the Rosenbergs and rebuilt the castle and the water tower. In 1589, Bartholomae Salburger became the administrator of the Falkenstein dominion and was able to purchase the dominion in 1598. In 1724, the Falkenstein dominion was merged with the Altenhof dominion, and the seat was moved to Altenhof, leaving the castle to decay. The castle ruin is currently being partially restored. The Falkenstein castle ruin is accessible via the "Rannatal" hiking trail from Altenhof to Niederranna!