Burg Alt-Urach, Medieval castle ruins in Lenzkirch, Germany
Burg Alt-Urach is a castle ruin on a mountain ridge overlooking the Haslach Valley, built with a rectangular residential tower and circular defensive walls. The stone foundations and wall remains reveal how the medieval fortification was originally structured.
The castle was built in the 13th century by the Lords of Urach and served as a power center for the area for many years. In 1491, the family sold it to the Counts of Fürstenberg, marking a major change in the region's control.
The ruins show how medieval lords lived and exercised control over the valley below. You can see how buildings were arranged and which spaces mattered most to the people living here.
The site sits in the Black Forest hills and can be reached by several hiking paths through the surrounding area. The ground can be uneven and slippery, especially after rain, so sturdy footwear and careful walking are recommended.
Archaeological digs at the site found a house extension from the early 1400s, showing how residents adapted their living spaces to new needs. These modifications offer clues about the daily life of the people who lived here.
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