Burg Lichteneck, Castle ruin in Hecklingen, Kenzingen, Germany

Burg Lichteneck is a castle ruin in Kenzingen perched on a rocky outcrop above the town. Parts of the original fortress walls remain standing, giving visitors a sense of the structure's former layout and defensive design.

Built probably between 1265 and 1272 by the Counts of Freiburg, the castle was first mentioned in 1290 as "Liehtenekke". It passed to the Palatine Counts of Tübingen-Lichteneck, was destroyed in the Geroldsecker War in 1433, rebuilt in the 16th century, and finally destroyed on 15 April 1675 by French troops under General Nicolas de Bautru, Marquis de Vaubrun, during the Dutch War.

The ruins show how castles functioned in the Middle Ages and how people inhabited such fortified places. The remaining walls reveal how these structures shaped the landscape and local life under noble rule.

You can walk up to the ruins and enjoy views over the surrounding area from the hilltop. Wear sturdy shoes as the path is steep and uneven in places, particularly when weather conditions change.

The castle was destroyed on 15 April 1675 by French troops under General Nicolas de Bautru, Marquis de Vaubrun, during the Dutch War. It had already been ruined once before, in 1433 during the Geroldsecker War, and rebuilt in the 16th century. Today the ruins belong to the Flemming family, who restored them over 15 years and rent them out for events.