Bärenfels castle, previously known as Steinegg, is located at the entrance to the Wehra valley above Wehr, high up In the Hotzenwald hill. It was built by Vasolt family in 1323-1330. In the 13th century the castle probably passed into the possession of the Barons of Schönau. Later, the ownership passed on to the Markgrafen (earls) von Hachberg They, in turn, let the castle to the Barons of Bärenfels, knights from Basel, after whom the castle is named today. Since the end of the 19th century the Schwarzwaldverein (Black Forest hiking club) has renovated the castle ruins and opened it for visitors. From the top of the tower, which is visible from afar, you can enjoy a great view of the Swiss Jura, the Dinkelberg and the Wiesental.
References:Sigmaringen Castle was first mentioned in the year 1077 in the chronicles of Petershausen monastery. The oldest parts of the castle are concealed beneath the alterations made during the 17th and the 19th centuries. The secret of the earliest settlement built on this defendable rock will never be fully revealed: large-scale excavation work would be necessary, which the extensive land development renders impossible. Judging from the many Roman remains unearthed in the area around Sigmaringen, the 12th century keep known as the 'Roman Tower' could be traced back to a Roman predecessor.
The castle remains that have been preserved (gate, great hall and keep) date back to the Staufer period around 1200. The castle remains were integrated into subsequent buildings. The foundations of the castle buildings are to a large extent identical to the surrounding castle wall.
These remains give us a good idea of how the castle might have looked during the 12th century.