Falkenstein in Pfronten

An excursion to the 1268 Metre high falcon stone at Pfronten can be crowned with the visit of two remarkable sights and is a benefit for body and soul. Below the castle ruin Falkenstein – the highest castle ruin in Germany – is the lovingly landscaped Mariengrotte, which 1889 It was created as Lourdes Grotto.

An excursion to the Falkenstein at Pfronten makes it possible to visit two extraordinary sights and inspires with magnificent views of the picturesque pre-Alpine country. Several paths lead to the 1268 meters high mountain. It can be reached, for example, by Rossmoss, Meilingen or Pfronten. From Pfronten you can reach either the König-Ludwig-Weg, the Maximiliansweg or the south side of the Breitenberg-Bahn in Pfronten Steinach on the Falkenstein. From the Zirmenbrücke at the Breitenbergbahn you need about an hour for the not very steep ascent to the Mariengrotte and another half hour to reach the castle ruin Falkenstein. Also for the way back offer various attractive options. Nature lovers, culturally interested Allgäu holidaymakers and families with children should not miss the hike to the Falkenstein.

The first highlight on a tour of the Falkenstein is the Mariengrotte, a high Gufel that lies under a vertical rock face on the south side of the Falkenstein. The Mariengrotte was lovingly decorated and furnished with larger-than-life statues representing the Blessed Mother Mary and St. Bernadette. It is said that in 19. A woman from Pfronten told the local pastor about her dream in which she discovered a special grotto on the Falkenstein. During a subsequent exploration of the mountain this grotto was actually found and in the year 1889 As a Lourdes Grotto. The Mariengrotte is undoubtedly a special place; In the midst of a quiet mountain landscape, as if from the picture book, she invites you to stop and reflect on yourself and your fellow man.

About half an hour later you reach the summit of Falkenstein, on which Germany’s highest castle ruins tower. The exposed altitude makes the end of the 13. Century originated Castle Falcon to something Whole Especially. It was: 1280 erected on behalf of Count Meinhard II of Tyrol, who sent with her an unmistakable threatening gesture towards the Bavarian dukes, with whom he competed at that time for the Staufererbe in the Ostallgäu. The castle became a ruin during the Thirty Years' War, when the Tyrolean state government set it on fire, as well as the neighboring castles Eisenberg and Hohenfreyberg, so that it did not fall into the hands of the advancing Swedish Protestant army intact. In the year 1883 Acquired the Bavarian fairy tale king Ludwig II. the ruin to make it a kind of second castle Neuschwanstein. Only his sudden death 1886 prevented this project, for which initial plans have already been drawn up.

From a wooden viewing platform in the castle interior offers a magnificent, unforgettable view of the Allgäuer Königswinkel around Füssen and Pfronten and the Vilstal. In good weather you can even see the fairytale castle Neuschwanstein from here. This dream view alone makes a trip to the Falkenstein highly worthwhile.

The wonderful Mariengrotte, a very special castle ruin and a summit panorama to kneel – the excursion to the Falkenstein at Pfronten offers unforgettable holiday impressions.