Schauenburg Castle

Schauenburg Castle is a medieval ruin in Oberkirch with stone walls, two residential towers, a gate tower, and defensive structures. The site sits at approximately 400 meters elevation and offers views across the surrounding valley.

Duke Berthold II of Zähringen built the castle between 1070 and 1090 to control the Renchtal valley. In the early 15th century, it became disputed territory between the lords of Schauenburg and Bernhard von Baden.

The castle stones were later used to build Gaisbach Castle, where author Hans Jakob Christoffel von Grimmelshausen wrote his works.

The ruins are accessible on foot, though sturdy shoes are recommended due to uneven pathways. A small museum housed in the former chapel cellar provides information about the site's history.

Stones from the abandoned castle were later reused to build Gaisbach Castle. This practice shows how medieval ruins were repurposed as building material in the region.

Location: Oberkirch

Inception: 1070

Accessibility: Wheelchair inaccessible

Website: https://schauenburg.de

GPS coordinates: 48.53940,8.09448

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:46