Burg Rotwasserstelz

Burg Rotwasserstelz is a stone fortress built on a Malm limestone rock formation at 343 meters above sea level in Baden-Württemberg. The complex includes an old tower, a former customs office, barn, stables, a rock cellar, and a distinctive red house.

The fortress was built in the 12th century by the von Wasserstelz family and first appears in written documents from 1163. It became an important post for controlling trade routes across the High Rhine.

The castle served as the seat of the High Bailiff of Kaiserstuhl, who oversaw governance and jurisdiction for several surrounding communities. This role gave the fortress significant power over local administrative matters in the region.

The castle remains in private ownership and can be viewed from the exterior, particularly well from paths along the riverbank. It is easily reached on foot from Hohentengen am Hochrhein and offers views across the High Rhine toward Switzerland.

The castle sits at the northern crossing point to Switzerland and faces the Swiss municipality of Kaiserstuhl across the Rhine. This border location made the fortress historically significant as a control point between two territories.