Burgruine Leienfels

Pottenstein, Bavaria, Germany, Germany

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Burgruine Leienfels is a medieval castle ruin located on a hill above the village of Leienfels, part of the town of Pottenstein in Bavaria’s Franconian Switzerland region.

The castle was likely built around 1300 by the noble Egloffstein family and was first mentioned in historical records in 1372. Throughout its history, the castle was involved in regional conflicts. It was captured in 1380, destroyed in 1397 on the orders of King Wenceslaus, later rebuilt, and suffered further damage during the German Peasants’ War and the Second Margrave War.

By the 17th century, it had fallen into disuse and was eventually abandoned. Today, the restored ruins are freely accessible and serve as a popular viewpoint. Visitors can explore the remains of the castle walls and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding forests, villages, and distinctive landscapes of Franconian Switzerland.