Wolfstein Castle

The exact origins of Wolfstein Castle, which served as the ancestral seat of the Wolfstein noble family, are still not fully understood. Archaeological findings suggest its construction around the mid-12th century. A confirmed historical mention of the castle exists from 1283, when Gottfried von Sulzbürg adopted the name Wolfstein, thus founding the lineage. During the 14th century, the Wolfstein family significantly expanded their influence and possessions, dominating large parts of the Neumarkt region. King Charles IV granted them the privilege to establish a town below the castle, which was to have the same rights as neighboring Neumarkt, a plan that was never realized. In 1434, the castle was legally equated with the town of Neumarkt, leading to conflicts with the Wittelsbach Palatine Counts, who sought to integrate the castle into their possessions. They finally succeeded under Otto II of Neumarkt, after Otto I had pressured the Wolfstein family to pledge the castle to the Bohemian king. Following the childless death of Hans von Wolfstein in 1462, the Bohemian king confiscated the castle and subsequently enfeoffed it to Vizthum von Neuschönenberg, from whom Otto II later acquired it and incorporated it into princely domain.