Best castles around Winklarn are situated in the district of Schwandorf in Bavaria, Germany, an area characterized by its historical landscape. The region features a mix of medieval origins and subsequent architectural transformations, with sites like Schloss Winklarn showcasing centuries of regional history. The Upper Palatinate region is known for its numerous historical monuments and archaeological findings.
Last updated: June 24, 2026
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The former Grafenried (Czech: Lučina) stood on a small hill near the German border (today the Untergrafenried border crossing) west of Nemanice. Grafenried also included the villages of Anger (Upor), Seeg (Pila), and Haselbach (Liskova). Around 800 people lived there. After the end of the Second World War, the German population was expelled from the border area, and the village, with all its buildings, was gradually razed. The Grafenried church of St. George still stood until the 1970s. Although it had the status of a monument, it was blown up and demolished. On the initiative of a former German resident of the community and some historians on the Czech side, the remains of the church were partially excavated and renovated in 2011. The search for traces was extended to the entire lost village and its districts.
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Reichenstein Castle can be considered an early settlement center in the Schönsee area. It was probably built in the late 11th century. Apart from a few remnants of the walls, only the stump of the round keep remains. However, the Reichenstein ruins are still shrouded in mystery. Legends tell of white women haunting the castle, and a treasure of gold lies beneath the ruins.
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Worthwhile old town with many sights. Beautiful city park for strolling and relaxing.
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Beautiful old town
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Beautiful rock formation and a great view, a trip to the Burgstall is worth it.
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The tower is finished and no longer scaffolded. But honestly... you can see more and get nicer pictures from below! The tower has no entrance and cannot be visited from the inside. You can save yourself the altitude 😉
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Wonderful old town with many interesting sights
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The well-preserved old town is an eye-catcher. At the end of July, the Medieval Festival takes place in Neunburg vorm Wald. Definitely worth a trip.
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The region around Winklarn is rich in history. Schloss Winklarn itself dates back to the 14th century, undergoing transformations into a palace and later being rebuilt after a fire in 1822. Other notable historical sites include Reichenstein Castle Ruins, inhabited since the 11th century, and Wildstein Castle Ruins, first mentioned in the early 14th century.
Yes, several castles offer excellent views. The renovated keep at Schwarzenburg Castle Ruins provides a unique panorama of the surrounding hills. Reichenstein Castle Ruins also offers a beautiful view from its elevated position. For a magnificent panoramic view over the 'Waldbuckel' of the Upper Palatinate Forest, visit Wildstein Castle Ruins.
Several castles around Winklarn are family-friendly. Schwarzenburg Castle Ruins is a great option, featuring a mountain lodge and an accessible keep. The Count Palatine Castle Complex Neunburg vorm Wald is also family-friendly, offering a charming old town and a range of activities. Additionally, the Grafenried / Lučina – Abandoned Village Ruins provides an interesting historical experience with information boards, suitable for families.
The area around Winklarn offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous cycling routes, including those around the Eixendorfer Reservoir, by exploring the Cycling around Winklarn guide. For mountain biking enthusiasts, there are trails like the Alten Schneeberg Singletrail, detailed in the MTB Trails around Winklarn guide. Running trails are also available, with options around Oberviechtach and Winklarn itself, as seen in the Running Trails around Winklarn guide.
Yes, the Grafenried / Lučina – Abandoned Village Ruins is a unique historical site. It offers many impressions of a destroyed village community, with information boards providing context on its history and former residents. Excavations are ongoing, making it a fascinating place to visit.
Schloss Winklarn has a rich history dating back to at least the 14th century, when it was a castle. It was transformed into a palace in the 16th century and served as an administrative center. After a major town fire in 1822, it was rebuilt into the three-winged complex seen today. It is recognized as a historical monument and has archaeological findings predating the medieval castle, highlighting its deep cultural value.
Visitors frequently appreciate the well-preserved nature of the ruins, the beautiful panoramic views, and the historical depth of the sites. For example, the renovated keep at Schwarzenburg Castle Ruins is highly praised for its views, and the historical insights provided at sites like Grafenried / Lučina – Abandoned Village Ruins are also very popular.
At Schwarzenburg Castle Ruins, there is a cozy mountain lodge operated by a club in the upper courtyard, which is open on Wednesdays, Sundays, and public holidays. This provides a place to rest and enjoy refreshments while visiting the ruins.
Yes, Reichenstein Castle Ruins is currently undergoing restoration. Despite the scaffolding, visitors still find it worthwhile to visit and explore the remnants of its keep and walls.
Many of the castle ruins, such as Schwarzenburg Castle Ruins, can be visited all year round. However, amenities like the Schwarzwihrberghütte with its beer garden are typically open in the afternoons from April to October. For the best weather and access to all facilities, the warmer months are generally recommended.
Schloss Winklarn showcases an interesting architectural evolution. Originally a 14th-century castle, it was transformed into a palace in the 16th century. After being destroyed by fire in 1822, it was rebuilt in two sections, resulting in its current distinctive three-winged complex arranged around a small inner courtyard. This blend reflects various historical periods.
The enchanted setting of Reichenstein Castle Ruins, rising from the forest with its beautiful views, makes for excellent photographic opportunities. Similarly, the panoramic views from the keep of Schwarzenburg Castle Ruins and the imposing summit cross at Wildstein Castle Ruins offer stunning landscape shots.


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