The strategic importance of the mountain crest across from Ehrenberg has been known for a long time. In 1632 the Swedes marched to the gates of Ehrenberg. Only years later, from 1639 to 1645, under the Tyrolean regent Archduchess Claudia Fort Claudia was built, and named after this princess. In 1703 Fort Claudia was taken by the Bavarians, who began the occupation of Ehrenberg from here. In 1782 the fortress was closed down. Even in the 19th century, the old fortress was inhabited, yet was left to decay after it was abandoned.
In 2014, the world's longest pedestrian suspension bridge was completed between the Ehrenberg Castle ruins and Fort Claudia, spanning the strategically important pass that these two structures were in part meant to guard. The length of the bridge 403 meters, with a height 110 meters.
References:The Château de Foix dominates the town of Foix. An important tourist site, it is known as a centre of the Cathars. Built on an older 7th-century fortification, the castle is known from 987. In 1002, it was mentioned in the will of Roger I, Count of Carcassonne, who bequeathed the fortress to his youngest child, Bernard. In effect, the family ruling over the region were installed here which allowed them to control access to the upper Ariège valley and to keep surveillance from this strategic point over the lower land, protected behind impregnable walls.
In 1034, the castle became capital of the County of Foix and played a decisive role in medieval military history. During the two following centuries, the castle was home to Counts with shining personalities who became the soul of the Occitan resistance during the crusade against the Albigensians.