Ruine Warenburg, Medieval castle ruin in Villingen-Schwenningen, Germany.

Ruine Warenburg is a castle ruin in Villingen-Schwenningen with stone walls and tower structures positioned on elevated ground. From this vantage point, visitors can see across the surrounding landscape and the valleys that characterize the region.

The castle probably originated in the 11th century and may have belonged to the Zähringer. It was first documented in 1320, when it formed its own lordship with Marbach, Rietheim, Klengen, Beckhofen and Grüningen, and with Kirnberg and Zindelstein it was part of a fortification line protecting the roads between the Baar and the Breisgau. In 1326 the Counts of Fürstenberg sold it to Duke Albrecht II of Austria; the Lords of Tierberg held it until 1441, and in 1472 the city of Villingen acquired and later razed it. The Meierhof survived until 1633, when it was destroyed so the advancing Swedes could not use it as shelter.

In the local population the Warenburg was considered a witches' meeting place. Many people condemned as witches and sorcerers in Villingen in the 17th century testified under torture that they had danced with the devil on the hill. The site is also known as Wartenberg or Warmburg.

The ruins are accessed via marked trails that lead through the site to its main structures. Information boards are placed at key points to explain what you are seeing and help you understand the layout of the former fortress.

In the 17th century, many people condemned as witches in Villingen testified under torture that they had danced with the devil on this hill, and locals long regarded the Warenburg as a witches' meeting place.