Burg Alt-Urach, Medieval castle ruins in Lenzkirch, Germany

Burg Alt-Urach is a ruin of rough grey and brown rubble masonry above the Haslach valley. A low, thick wall curves from left to right and ends at a taller round tower; set into the wall is a dark rectangular window with a rounded top, and ivy climbs its left side. The original castle had a square residential tower and a wall ring, to which a house annex was added around 1404.

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 ruin stands right at the entrance to Lenzkirch on the B315, on a hill spur above the Haslach valley, so it can be reached on foot from the road. The masonry was consolidated in 1995/96 and the grounds are looked after by the Schwarzwaldverein Lenzkirch. Expect rough rubble stone underfoot and watch your step near the wall edges.

The house annex added around 1404 was attached to the original castle with its square residential tower and ring wall; it was a building extension, not an archaeological find. The masonry was restored in 1995/96 by the Schwarzwaldverein Lenzkirch, which has cared for the ruin since 1972.