Hohenurach Castle, Medieval castle ruins on hilltop near Bad Urach, Germany
Hohenurach Castle is a medieval fortress ruin sitting on a rocky ridge directly above the town of Bad Urach in Baden-Württemberg, Germany. Parts of the outer walls, a residential tower, and several building foundations are still standing today.
The castle was built between 1030 and 1050 by the Counts of Urach as a stronghold above the Erms valley. Over the following centuries it changed hands several times and was later used as a state prison by the Duchy of Württemberg.
The name Hohenurach combines the title of the Counts of Urach with the high rock on which the fortress stands. Visitors who reach the top today can see why controlling this ridge meant controlling the whole valley below.
The ruins are reached on foot from Bad Urach along a clearly marked trail, with the climb taking roughly 45 minutes. Sturdy footwear is a good idea because parts of the path are steep and uneven.
A lightning strike in 1694 hit the powder tower and triggered an explosion that destroyed much of the fortress in a single moment. That event ended its military use and left behind the broken walls that visitors walk through today.
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