Burg Steinegg, castle

Burg Steinegg is a castle ruin on a mountain spur near Bonndorf in the Black Forest. The main tower is the most visible feature, a square tower built from dressed stone blocks about 9 meters (30 feet) on each side, with an entrance that was altered in 1906. Remaining walls and a moat around the site show how the fortification was once structured.

Burg Steinegg was built in the 12th century by the lords of Steinegg, who were followers of the dukes of Zähringen. After the family died out, the castle passed to the Nellenburgs. Following several changes of ownership, it was destroyed in 1525 during the Peasants' War, as was nearby Burg Roggenbach.

The name Steinegg refers to the castle's location on a mountain spur in the region. The ruin has long been a symbol of local nobility's power and continues to shape the landscape around Bonndorf today.

The ruin stands on a 720-metre ridge 400 metres from Roggenbach Castle, reached on foot; no entrance fee is charged. The keep, a six-metre stretch of wall and the 20-metre-deep neck ditch survive, and the ground is uneven, so wear sturdy shoes. The interior of the keep is lined with smoothed stone blocks.

A descendant of the original castle lords spent nearly 45 years studying books to document the castle's history and coat of arms, sharing his findings with others. This research revealed much about the family's life at the castle and their importance to the region.