Burg Alt-Lichtenstein

Burg Alt-Lichtenstein is a castle ruin sitting on a steep rocky cliff edge of the Swabian Jura at approximately 800 meters elevation. The remains include partial walls, defensive fortifications, a water collection system, and stone steps cut into rock that connected different levels of the site.

Built between 1150 and 1200 by the Lichtenstein family, the castle was attacked and destroyed multiple times before being permanently abandoned in 1389. These repeated assaults caused irreversible damage that left it in the condition we see today.

The ruins display medieval military architecture through visible foundation stones and fortification walls that reveal how defenders once organized their space. Visitors can trace the layout of former buildings by studying these structural remains.

Entry to the ruins is free, though you will need to arrange parking at the nearby Lichtenstein Castle area where a fee applies. Plan your visit during daylight hours since there is no artificial lighting at the site.

A striking feature is the 15.4-meter shield wall that remains standing, representing one of the few intact structures from the fortress period. Equally fascinating are the stone steps carved directly into the rock face that connected the courtyard to an outer terrace above.

Location: Lichtenstein

Inception: 1150

GPS coordinates: 48.40498,9.26267

Latest update: December 8, 2025 21:00