Burg Kranzberg

Burg Kranzberg is a castle ruins on a hilltop in Sulzbach-Laufen in Baden-Württemberg, sitting at about 441 meters elevation. The remains show a residential tower surrounded by inner and outer fortifications that demonstrate the medieval castle system.

The Counts of Öttingen built this castle in the early 13th century, with first written records appearing around 1212. It remained part of the regional history of southwestern Germany for several centuries afterward.

The ruins display late Romanesque features and show through their fortifications how medieval people built castles for protection and control of surrounding lands. Visitors can see today how the double-wall system with inner and outer baileys structured the defensive lines.

The site is accessible from southern travel routes and lies near other medieval sites in the Schwäbisch Hall district. Visitors should wear hiking shoes and allow time for climbing up to the elevated ground.

A natural saddle separates the castle grounds from the Limpurger Mountains to the east, creating a notable geographical boundary. This formation shapes the landscape around the ruins and becomes visible as you explore the site.