Burgstall Durchelenburg

Burgstall Durchelenburg stands on a rocky spur that juts into the valley of the Schwarzen Laber near Laaber in the Upper Palatinate. The spur rises about thirty metres above the valley floor and is defended by steep slopes on three sides. A shallow rock-cut ditch protects the east side, the only approach. The unusual name comes from a natural rock arch in the spur. The site was first mentioned in the 11th century when Hesso von Duerchlburg made a gift to St Paul’s monastery. By 1107 the Durchelenburg family were recognised as nobles serving the Regensburg bishop. In 1205 the castle passed to the Bavarian dukes after a peace treaty with the bishop. By the 13th century it had lost its purpose when a new road replaced the old valley route. Visitors follow an unmarked path through the wood to the spur. At the east end a low ditch marks the entrance. Behind it rises a round tower mound about five metres high, its top pitted with hollows. West of the mound lies the main bailey, a flat platform fifteen metres across with traces of mortar. A shallow depression may once have held the castle well. The spur’s steep sides and rocky outcrops complete the defences.