Trimburg Castle (Ruin)

The construction of the oldest part, later known as the “Alte Burg” (Old Castle) or “Leuchtenburg,” began in 1135 under Gozzwin von Trimberg. An outwork at the foot of the castle hill, the “Niedernburg” or “Linsenburg,” was first mentioned in 1226, but later converted into a manor and destroyed around 1640. In the late 12th century, the castle was expanded to the west, using materials from the previous structures. The Lords of Trimberg, whose lineage was first documented around 1018, leased their castle to the Prince-Bishopric of Würzburg as early as 1226 and gifted the entire complex to it in 1279. After the Trimberg family died out around 1376, their possessions fully transferred to the Prince-Bishopric. During the Peasants' War around 1525, Trimburg was captured and destroyed by rebellious farmers, but largely rebuilt under Bishop Julius Echter in 1529. The Thirty Years' War also left its mark, but the reconstruction after 1648 resulted in a more residential, castle-like design. Following secularization in 1803, Trimburg came under Bavarian rule and was sold for demolition, leading to its current ruined state. King Ludwig I initiated preservation measures from 1833, and the castle evolved into an excursion destination with a summer tavern.