Ruine Dietfurt, Castle ruin in Inzigkofen, Germany
Ruine Dietfurt is a castle perched on a solitary rock outcrop at about 620 meters above sea level, with the Danube River flowing past its base. The tower exploits the natural defensibility of this elevated position surrounded by water.
The castle itself dates to the medieval period, but the site's importance extends far deeper: the cave beneath the ruin contains artifacts from the Late Upper Paleolithic period, ranking among southern Germany's most significant archaeological records. This demonstrates continuous human use across millennia.
The site served as a meeting place for the German branch of the New Templar Order between 1928 and 1939, reflecting its role in early 20th-century esoteric movements. Today visitors come more for the natural setting and sense of historical layering than for this particular chapter.
Access to the site depends on organized tours offered by local rescue services, which operate seasonally. Wear sturdy footwear and be prepared for steep terrain and proximity to the river.
Beneath the castle runs a cave that cuts through the entire rock formation, with openings on both sides creating a natural passage through the outcrop. This geological oddity transformed the location into one of the region's richest archaeological sites for ancient human remains.
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