Burg Ober-Falkenstein

Burg Ober-Falkenstein is a medieval hill castle situated above the Inn River in the municipality of Flintsbach am Inn, Germany. It was established by medieval European builders aiming to secure control over nearby routes and lands.

The castle’s origins date back to around 1110, when it was likely constructed through the efforts of Bishop Albuin of Brixen along with members of the noble Aribonid family. It served as the ancestral residence of the Counts of Falkenstein, a family whose name also became associated with the castle over time. Early written references to the site appear indirectly in 1115, with more explicit medieval records labeling it as an “urbs” (a town or fortified settlement) in 1166, later described as a “castrum” (fort) in 1188, and eventually termed a “burg” (castle) by 1287. A significant visual source from this period is the 1166 Codex Falkensteinensis, which includes a schematic drawing providing insight into the castle’s structure during the 12th century.

In 1296, Burg Ober-Falkenstein was destroyed amid armed conflicts involving Duke Rudolf of Bavaria and the descendants of Count Meinhard II of Tyrol. This event marked the end of its active fortification role during the medieval period.

Archaeological investigations conducted in the 1990s uncovered deeper layers beneath the medieval ruins, revealing that the site had been occupied long before the castle was built. Evidence points to the middle Bronze Age, around the 16th century BCE, with the discovery of a notable necklace nearby, highlighting the location as a longstanding seat of regional importance. These finds demonstrate the continuity of human presence, showing that the site was important not only in medieval times but also during prehistoric periods.

Today, the remains of Burg Ober-Falkenstein along with its surroundings are protected as archaeological monuments under Bavarian heritage regulations. Excavations in the adjacent lower settlement area, known as Burgau, have further illustrated the complexity and longevity of habitation at this strategically important site.