Burg Hirschberg, Medieval castle ruins in Heselwangen, Germany.
Burg Hirschberg is a castle site on a northwestern mountain spur at approximately 722 meters elevation near Heselwangen. Stone walls and foundations remain visible, indicating a once-significant settlement on this hilltop.
The castle was first documented in 1378 as property of the Zollern-Schalksburg ministerials, a noble family's administrative class. Archaeological work in the 1950s revealed evidence of occupation dating back to the 12th century.
The site appears in historical accounts from the 17th century, connecting it to stories about Balingen's founding and local identity. This link shows how the ruins became woven into the region's collective memory and folklore.
The site is freely accessible year-round and stands about three kilometers east of Balingen, reachable by foot from the town or nearby villages. Visitors should prepare for uneven ground and the conditions typical of archaeological ruins.
Pottery and tile fragments from the 12th and 13th centuries found during excavations proved the castle actually existed, despite being considered merely legendary before. These discoveries in the 1950s transformed local folklore into documented history.
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