Information
Landmark: Burg HohenbadenCity: Baden Baden
Country: Germany
Continent: Europe
Burg Hohenbaden, Baden Baden, Germany, Europe
Overview
Burg Hohenbaden, or the Old Castle, stands as a weathered ruin on the hills above Baden-Baden, Germany.Perched high on Hohenbaden Hill-also known as Castle Hill-it looks out over Baden-Baden, the dark folds of the Black Forest, and the wide sweep of the Rhine Plain.Perched high above Baden-Baden, the castle stands as one of the city’s most treasured landmarks, famed for its centuries of history, commanding position, and sweeping views that stretch to the distant hills.Burg Hohenbaden, steeped in history, was likely begun around 1100, its first stones laid in the early 11th century.The Zähringen family, a powerful noble house in the region, first built the castle as a fortress, and it served as the Dukes’ residence until the 15th century, when it was abandoned after suffering heavy damage at the hands of Palatinate forces during the German Peasants’ War in 1525.Over the centuries, its walls crumbled, yet weathered stone arches still rise against the sky, preserving the story of Baden-Baden’s medieval past.Blending Romanesque solidity with graceful Gothic lines, the complex is split into two parts: the upper castle and the lower castle.The noble family lived in the upper castle, while the lower walls and towers guarded the approach.You enter through a massive stone gate tower, its shadow cool on your face, and step into the wide central courtyard.The keep, or donjon, stands as one of the best-preserved parts of the castle, a solid reminder of its former power.Thick stone walls bristle with towers, battlements, and narrow arrow slits once used to fend off attackers during a siege.Perched high on Hohenbaden Hill, the fortress rewards visitors with sweeping views of Baden-Baden, the dark folds of the Black Forest, and the winding valleys below.From the castle’s hilltop perch, visitors take in sweeping views of forests and rolling hills, while in medieval times those same heights let its defenders watch the land for miles, a vital edge in protecting the stronghold.The keep, rising high above the walls, remains one of Burg Hohenbaden’s most striking sights.Rising nearly 20 meters-about the height of a six-story building-it once served as the main living space and a secure refuge when enemies attacked.You can climb the keep for sweeping, 360-degree views of the rolling fields and the rooftops of the town below.The castle still has several towers, a few standing as solid as the day they were built.The towers doubled as homes and lookout posts, their high windows scanning the countryside like watchful eyes.Though the castle crumbled over time, recent work has gone into shoring up its walls and bringing parts of it back to life.The keep has been partly restored, and visitors can walk through sections of its walls and towers; stand in a sunlit courtyard, pass under the old stone gates, and you’ll get a vivid sense of the castle at its peak.Burg Hohenbaden welcomes the public, with trails that wind past plaques telling its story and a climb up the keep that rewards you with sweeping views of Baden-Baden and the dark green folds of the Black Forest.A park wraps around the castle, offering shady paths, places to picnic, and quiet spots to take in the scenery.It’s just 2 kilometers from the town center, an easy trip for anyone eager to explore.You can reach the castle with a quick uphill walk, following clear signs along a path shaded by tall pines.If you’d rather not hike, hop on public transport or drive-there’s parking close by.All year long, Burg Hohenbaden comes alive with medieval fairs, concerts that echo through the old stone walls, and guided tours.These events breathe life into the castle’s history, offering fresh glimpses into its past, while at times the halls echo with theater, art, or medieval reenactments.All around, pine-scented trails wind through the hills, making Burg Hohenbaden a perfect spot for hiking and exploring the outdoors.The Black Forest stretches out around the castle, crisscrossed with winding trails, and from its hilltop you can spot green valleys and thick pines far below.Burg Hohenbaden usually asks a small entry fee for the grounds, but the park and hiking paths nearby are often free to wander.Your ticket fees help preserve and maintain the site, from its weathered stone walls to the winding footpaths.For the latest on opening hours and exact admission prices, check the official website or ask around once you’re in town.In the end, Burg Hohenbaden is a place history buffs, architecture fans, and nature lovers shouldn’t miss.Perched high above Baden-Baden, the castle’s crumbling stone walls and sweeping Black Forest views pull you straight into the heart of medieval history.You might wander through its weathered stone halls, trek the forested hills nearby, or pause to take in the sweeping valley views-either way, Burg Hohenbaden leaves you with a lasting memory in one of Germany’s most beautiful regions.
