Bärnegg Castle

The area around Bärnegg belonged to the Counts of Formbach-Pitten around 1155. A first defensive structure was probably built at the end of the 12th or beginning of the 13th century. The castle was the free property of vassals of the Formbach counts and the center of a clearing lordship. In 1250, a Ulrich der Perner is mentioned. The castle is first mentioned in 1316.

Wilhelm Perner was an opponent of Emperor Frederick III in both the Baumkircher Feud of 1469 to 1470 and the Hungarian War of 1480 to 1490, which cost him his castle. Bärnegg was initially pledged and not returned despite multiple requests from his son and grandson. It was not until 1529 that Niklas Perner achieved the return of the castle after paying off some creditors.

The inheritance disputes after his death in 1550 could only be resolved in 1567. New owners became Michael Rindsmaul and his aunt Rosine Erwentz. In 1571, Michael was also able to acquire his aunt's share. In 1679, the lordship was incorporated into a fideicommiss by Ludwig Graf Rindsmaul. Siegmund Albrecht Graf Rindsmaul had the castle embellished in 1728. In 1798, Bärnegg came into the possession of Dr. Ignaz Holler through purchase, remaining in his family for almost a century.

In 1928, it was owned by Friedberg mayor Hutter, and in 1955 by timber merchant Franz Doppler. Both, however, were probably more interested in the forest or hunting, as during this time the castle fell into ruin, looking as if it had already been devastated during the Turkish era. Bärnegg remains in private ownership.