Burg Althornberg, Medieval castle in Triberg im Schwarzwald, Germany.
Burg Althornberg sits atop a steep ridge at about 786 meters elevation above the Gutach River valley with views across the surrounding landscape. Today only fragments remain: stone foundations, rock chambers carved into the hillside, and a cistern that once supplied water to residents.
Adalbert von Ellerbach built this fortress around 1100 as a stronghold in the region. Over time it changed hands between the Lords of Hornberg and Lords of Triberg before eventually falling under Habsburg control.
The remains show medieval craftsmanship through wooden beam construction and a cistern, revealing how people lived and worked on this hilltop settlement.
Reaching the site requires a steep hike from the village of Triberg through forest and uneven terrain to the ridge top. Wear sturdy shoes and allow time for the climb, as the path is challenging in places.
The fortress overlooked a key trading route between two river valleys and had a dedicated watchtower on a neighboring peak to monitor merchants. This dual structure gave the lords strategic control over commerce passing through their territory.
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