Burg Brauneck

Burg Brauneck is a medieval complex with heavy stone walls arranged around a courtyard, dominated by a sturdy keep from the 13th century. The grounds still display remnants of a chapel, sections of the perimeter walls, and the characteristic shield wall that once protected the fortification.

The castle was founded around 1230 by Konrad von Hohenlohe and served the noble family as residence and administrative center for centuries. It was destroyed during the Peasants' War in the early 16th century and never rebuilt, explaining its current form as a ruin.

The castle reflects how noble families displayed their power through monumental stone structures and shaped life in the surrounding region. Its walls today remind visitors of the importance such fortifications held for local communities and medieval settlement patterns.

The site operates today as a working farm, so access is limited and visitors should contact the owners before visiting. From the outside, visitors can explore the structure and architecture of the walls, with sturdy shoes and caution on uneven ground recommended.

The eastern side of the complex preserves an unusually thick ring wall of about 3 meters, showing how builders reinforced particularly vulnerable spots of the fortress. This detail reveals much about the practical challenges of protecting such structures from attack.