Alte Bürg, Castle ruin in Riesbürg, Germany
Alte Bürg is a castle ruin located on a ridge at approximately 525 meters in elevation overlooking the Maienbach valley. The remnants include foundation walls and stonework that demonstrate medieval construction techniques.
The fortress was first documented in 1274 when Conrad von Oettingen sold it to the Abbey of Zimmern. The sale suggests the structure was already deteriorating at that time.
The ruins contain remains of a chapel dedicated to Saint Hippolytus, showing how faith was woven into medieval fortress life. Such sacred spaces were central to the daily routines of castle inhabitants.
The site is accessible on foot and allows visitors to view excavation findings and wall remnants up close. The exposed ridge location means weather-appropriate clothing is advisable.
Excavations by Ernst Frickhinger in 1934-1935 exposed the foundation walls and documented the original structure. The site later served as a forestry office and briefly as a guesthouse in a hunting lodge before use ended in 2023.
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