Eisenberg Castle

Majestically above the Ostallgäu region: The ruins of Eisenberg Castle rise at 1,055 meters and, together with Hohenfreyberg Castle, form a unique castle duo. Whether for families or history enthusiasts – the short climb is worth it, as wide panoramas and a genuine piece of medieval atmosphere await at the top.

After a short but rewarding ascent, you’ll reach the ruins of Eisenberg Castle, which rise amidst a dreamlike Allgäu landscape. Upon entering the site, you’ll be greeted with grand views of the Ostallgäu and the peaks of the Tannheim Mountains. Particularly impressive are the two wooden viewing platforms: from here, you have a wide panoramic view over the district of Zell, the municipality of Pfronten, and on clear days you can even see as far as the royal castles Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau.

Inside the ruins, the expansive walls and preserved rooms invite exploration. You can wander through the remains of residential and utility rooms, enter the castle courtyard, or imagine what life must have been like in the former bakehouse and chapel. For children, the castle quickly becomes an adventure playground, while adults enjoy the unique location and stunning views.

>> Panoramic view from the Eisenberg castle ruins

Eisenberg Castle was built around 1315 by the noble family of Hohenegg and has stood atop the Isenberg, a 1,055-meter-high foothill of the Tannheim Mountains, ever since. Originally designed as a shell wall castle, the complex underwent extensive reinforcements in the 15th century: the ring wall was heightened with battlements, a strong outer bailey, and additional towers were added to protect the castle. Over the centuries, Eisenberg developed into one of the most important hilltop castles in the Allgäu.

Unusual for its time is the absence of a classic keep – its representative and defensive functions were instead fulfilled by the massive curtain wall. After suffering destruction in the 16th century, the castle gradually fell into ruin, yet remained a prominent landmark. Together with the neighboring ruins of Hohenfreyberg Castle, Eisenberg today forms an impressive monument to medieval fortification architecture in the Southern Allgäu.

Eisenberg Castle is located above the district of Zell in Eisenberg, about 10 kilometers southeast of Füssen in the Southern Allgäu. It sits atop the 1,055-meter-high Isenberg and is visible from afar. The castle is easily accessible both by car and by public transport.

By car, you reach the ruins via the B310 (Füssen–Pfronten). From there, a road branches off at Eisenberg toward Zell, where several paid hiking parking lots are available – including at the end of Zell, near the Eisenberg town hall, or at the Kreuzwald parking lot toward Schweinegg. From the parking lots, well-marked hiking trails lead directly to the ruins of Eisenberg Castle in about 15–20 minutes. The climb is entertaining and suitable for families.

If you prefer public transportation, take the train to Pfronten-Ried or Füssen station. From there, regional buses run toward Eisenberg and Zell. From the bus stops, the castle is reachable via a short walk.