Höhlenburg Schloss im Loch

The castle "Schloss im Loch" was built at the end of the 13th century to protect the customs post and the road. Unlike other castles, which were protected on hills or by moats, "Schloss im Loch" nestled into a cave below the castle rock like a vulture's nest, which occasionally earned it the name "Vulture Castle". Overhanging rocks provided protection instead of a roof. A steep path, partly carved into the rock, led up to the castle. Despite the few remaining wall remnants today, the once mighty structure can be imagined.However, probably no castellan was truly satisfied with the castle, which was a princely fief. There was a lack of water, which led to multiple changes of feudal lords. In 1317, the castle was transferred as a fief to Otto and Rupert Karlinger and placed under the jurisdiction of Ehrenberg.Already in 1609, Mathias Burglechner reported "that a castle stood in Pinswang many years ago". However, nothing is known about the demise of this castle. A plausible explanation would be that the castle was abandoned and fell into disrepair due to the relocation of the customs post. Another possible interpretation is that "Schloss im Loch", like many other castles, became a robber baron's castle during the collapse of imperial power and was conquered, destroyed, and annihilated in 1434 during a successful campaign by Augsburg citizens and merchants. Although this is documented for other castles in the immediate vicinity, history remains silent about "Schloss im Loch".