Hohenwittlingen Castle, Reutlingen, Germany

Hohenwittlingen ruined castle stands above Wittlingen district of Bad Urach and offers a fabulous view of the Erms valley. You can combine a visit here with a walk to the Wolfschlucht (Wolf Ravine) and the Schillerhöhle cave.

Hohenwittlingen was first documented in 1248 as the property of the Dukes of Urach. In 1251 it came into the possession of the Dukes of Württemberg, for whom it was primarily an important military base. In 1548 the castle offered sanctuary to the reformer Johannes Brenz of Württemberg (1499–1570).

The castle was badly damaged by fire In 1576, after which it was only partially repaired. After the Thirty Years' War the castle became a prison for 'poachers and other wrongdoers'. It then fell into ruin. By the 18th century the abandoned castle was still offering the farmers of Wittlingen protection when enemy troops approached. After this, however, it was abandoned.

The ruins (near the Wittlingen district of Bad Urach) are freely accessible, but only on foot.

References:

outdooractive.com

Sigmaringen Castle

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.

Familie Gord (4 years ago)
Under construction:( But anyway nice view

Zrinko Šljivić (5 years ago)
Ok

SM Kim (6 years ago)
Good place to hike and enjoy the beautiful nature!

Christian Middel (6 years ago)
Fantastic landscape and scenery, great hiking

Y Y (7 years ago)
Nice scenic viewing spot

Hohenwittlingen Castle

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