Burg Neideck and Streitberg, Germany

Castle Ruins and the Binghöhle Caves in the Wiesenttal Valley

Burg Neideck and Streitberg are castle ruins in the Wiesenttal Valley in the Fränkische Schweiz (Franconian Switzerland) while many travelers visit the Binghöhle caves.

Streitberg in the Wiesenttal is a lovely small town with many half-timbered buildings and romantic alleys. However, the main sights are the two castle ruins that are beautifully located on top of high cliffs.

The 13th-century Burg Neideck was once the largest castle in the region. In 1347, it was successfully attacked and Count Konrad, the last of the powerful Schlüsselberg family, was killed by a direct hit of a rock shot from a catapult. The castle fell to the Bishopric of Bamberg. During the Margarve Wars, it was again destroyed in 1553 and never rebuilt.

From the swimming pool parking lot, the ruins can be reached in 15 minutes.

Across the valley are the ruins of Streitberg. It has a history dating back to the early 12th century. It also was destroyed in 1553 but rebuilt in the Renaissance style. It was again destroyed during the Thirty Years’ War and left in ruins.

The ruins of Streitberg can be reached in a few minutes and have the best view of the valley, town, and the ruins of Burg Neideck.

The Binghöhle Caves, Streitberg, tel 09196-19433, discovered in 1905, has the largest stalactite gallery in Germany – nature has been at work here for around 5 million years. The cave is around 400 m/1,312 ft long and the guided tour takes around 30 minutes. Opening hours are daily from April to October from 9 am to 5 pm. Admission is €3.

The Binghöhle is a few minutes walk from the Dorfplatz parking lot.

See Caving in the Fränkische Schweiz for other caves in the region.

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02/23/2008