Zähringen castle

Zähringen Castle is a medieval fortification ruin perched at about 478 meters elevation, preserving remains of defensive walls and a distinctive round tower topped with an observation platform. The structure displays typical feudal castle design with its commanding position overlooking the valley below.

The castle was originally the family seat of the Zähringers but was abandoned in 1091 when the ruling family moved their power center to Freiburg. After the family line died out in the early 1200s, the stronghold came under imperial control.

The place takes its name from the Zähringer family, a powerful medieval dynasty that ruled from this location for generations. Walking through the ruins today, you can sense how this stronghold shaped the region's development.

The ruins can be reached via marked hiking trails from Gundelfingen, making navigation straightforward for most visitors. A restaurant sits near the observation platform, providing a convenient place to rest and have refreshments.

The castle's name appears in writing for the first time in 1128 in a document referring to it as 'apud castrum Zaringen' in Latin. This early record shows how established the site was as a seat of power in the medieval world.