Burg Wildeck

Burg Wildeck is a stone castle on a hilltop near Abstatt with defensive walls and building elements from different periods of construction. The structures show signs of changes made over several centuries, visible in the varying building styles of the walls and towers.

The Lords of Heinriet built the castle between 1250 and 1330, after which it passed to the Counts of Löwenstein in 1492. This brought a shift in how the place was used and valued, moving from a fortress to a noble residence.

The castle grounds house experimental vineyards run by the Weinsberg wine school, where you can see different grape varieties being tested and developed. This active work with wine shapes how the place looks and ties it closely to the region's wine traditions.

The grounds are easy to access and allow visitors to walk around the exterior and see the castle structure from various angles. There are other historical sites nearby like Stettenfels Castle, making it possible to visit several places in one day trip to the area.

The experimental wine estate here developed two grape varieties that are now widespread in the region: Samtrot and Dornfelder. This shows how scientific work at this location led to practical results that still shape winemaking today.

Location: Abstatt

GPS coordinates: 49.06940,9.32038

Latest update: December 8, 2025 21:02