Schönberg Castle

Schönberg Castle was built in the 9th and 10th centuries. From 927-33, the "Abenbergers" are mentioned as owners. In 1170, Count Palatine Friedrich von Scheyern sold the castle to his brothers. During the Landshut War of Succession between Bavaria and the Palatinate, men from Bohemia, allied with Bavaria's adversary "Ruprecht of the Palatinate", attacked Schönberg Castle and the village of Wenzenbach. The castellan Michael Zenger bravely defended himself with his men, but soon had to retreat to "Kalten Eck" (north of Schönberg). The summoned Emperor Maximilian I rushed to Wenzenbach with his riders that very night. On September 12, 1504, a great battle took place. At dawn, the village and castle were liberated. The Bohemians, entrenched behind a wagon fort and pavises (=large shields), inflicted great damage on the knights, who then gave up. The leader Georg von Frundsberg had to attack with his soldiers, culverins (=cannons) and muskets (=birth of the infantry). The Palatinate forces fled back, the Bohemians were defeated. The Emperor returned to Regensburg that evening and had a thanksgiving service celebrated at midnight.

In 1726, the castle was rebuilt.