Burgruine Velburg

Velburg, Germany, Germany

---

Burgruine Velburg is the remains of a medieval hilltop castle that stands on the Schlossberg above the town of Velburg in Bavaria.

The castle was probably founded around 1100 and is first mentioned in historical records in 1129. It was originally the seat of the Counts of Velburg, an influential noble family that controlled the area during the High Middle Ages. After the Velburg family died out, the castle passed to the Dukes of Bavaria and later became an important administrative center under the Wittelsbach rulers.

Although it was rebuilt after a major fire around 1450, it was heavily damaged during the Thirty Years’ War in the 17th century and eventually fell into ruin. Stones from the abandoned fortress were later reused in local buildings and churches. Today, the ruins are one of Velburg’s most notable landmarks. Visitors can explore the preserved walls and restored 12‑meter-high keep, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding Franconian Jura landscape and the town below.