Wildenstein Castle

Wildenstein Castle stands on a rocky spur above the Danube Valley and features thick stone walls with multiple defensive structures from the medieval period. The grounds include ramparts, towers, and a courtyard that benefits from its strategic location at the Danube breakthrough point.

The fortress was built between the 12th and 13th centuries and served as a strategic outpost for the lords of Wildenstein and later the Werner von Zimmern family. Over the centuries, ownership changed, but the buildings retained most of their original structure.

The main keep contains the Sigenot wall paintings, which show medieval artistic expressions from the Baden-Württemberg region. These frescoes tell stories from ancient times and shape the look of the interior spaces today.

The site operates as a hostel through the German Youth Hostel Association and provides accommodation with direct access to hiking trails in the Swabian Alb. It is best visited during the warmer months, when the trails are most accessible and the valley landscape is at its best.

The castle sits at the Danube breakthrough point, where the river cuts through a narrow gorge and creates a particularly striking landscape. From this elevated position, you can clearly see how the fortress and natural geography work together.