Burgstall Gegenpoint

Immerse yourself in the enchanting history of Burgstall Gegenpoint, an evocative site nestled in the verdant landscapes of Fürstenfeldbruck, Bavaria. This ancient spur castle, perched on the Nikolausberg, offers a fascinating glimpse into the medieval past, surrounded by the serene beauty of the Emmeringer Leite forest.

The Historical Tapestry of Burgstall Gegenpoint

The origins of Burgstall Gegenpoint date back to 857, when the name Kekinpuint first appeared in historical records, referring to a settlement. The name is believed to mean enclosed field (Point) near a spring (Kekin). Although the fate of this early settlement remains a mystery, it is thought to have either been abandoned before the castle's construction or evolved into the small settlement that existed near the castle.

From 1147 to 1340, the noble family of Gegenpoint resided in the castle. It is speculated that they might have descended from an older family originally based on Engelsberg, above the later Fürstenfeld Abbey, and took their name from the place von Prukk. The castle's design, featuring double ditches, suggests similarities with early medieval fortifications, possibly indicating an earlier defensive structure that was later expanded.

The Gegenpoints were likely vassals of Duke Henry the Lion, evidenced by the size of the castle and the designation nobilis, indicating their prominent status in the duke's entourage. In the 13th century, they possessed extensive lands in the region. However, their position as a Welf outpost on the border with the rising Wittelsbach territory eventually led to the castle's downfall. In 1340, Heinrich von Gegenpoint's son-in-law sold most of their properties to the nearby Fürstenfeld Abbey, established by the Wittelsbachs in 1263. Following the Welfs' decline, the Gegenpoints faced economic hardship, exacerbated by several inheritances and divisions. The abbey, as the largest landowner in the area, no longer required the protection of castles and vassals. Consequently, the castle was dismantled, except for the chapel, and the family vanished from history by the end of the 14th century.

In 1985, the Historical Society of Fürstenfeldbruck erected a memorial stone at the eastern entrance of the site, with an information board detailing the castle's history.

The Former Castle Complex

According to a 1306 document, the main castle featured a tower and a residential building. An entrance with a drawbridge led to the outer bailey, which housed another residential building, a barn, a well, the castle chapel, two gardens, and the east gate with a drawbridge.

The St. Nicholas Chapel outlasted the castle, with masses still being held there until 1775, despite its deteriorating condition by the late 16th century. It was finally demolished in 1785 due to its dilapidated state, and today, a wooden cross marks its location.

Exploring the Burgstall

The Burgstall consists of a rectangular core castle (approximately 25 × 35 meters) overlooking the Amper Valley and a spacious outer bailey (approximately 60 × 60 meters) to the east, separated by a three to four-meter-deep neck ditch. The main castle mound is protected on three sides by steep slopes, while the outer bailey is surrounded by a double ditch. The inner ditch is up to three meters deep, and the outer ditch is about one to one and a half meters deep.

The old castle path ascends from the north to the outer bailey, situated about 20 to 30 meters above the valley. A causeway of unknown age provides easy access to the outer bailey from the south, and the foundations of the former castle chapel are clearly visible at the northwest corner.

The Bavarian State Office for the Preservation of Monuments lists the site as a castle site of the high and late Middle Ages (Geggenpoint) under the monument number D 1-7833-0066.

Legends and Lore

Local legend has it that if you place your ear to the ground at the Burgstall, you can hear the cries of children. These are said to be the children of the knights' wives, who were supposedly killed by their mothers. In the 19th century, residents of Emmering claimed to have discovered and descended into underground passages near the castle site in the Niklasholz forest.

In conclusion, Burgstall Gegenpoint is not only a site of historical significance but also a place steeped in mystery and legend. Its remnants, nestled in the lush Bavarian forest, invite visitors to step back in time and explore the stories of a once-powerful noble family and their medieval stronghold.