Burg Nesselburg, Medieval castle ruins in Nesselwang, Germany
Burg Nesselburg is a stone castle complex on a mountain ridge at about 1040 meters elevation between Nesselwang and the Alps. The structure has a rectangular layout with a moat, shield wall, courtyard, and two building sections, with walls of several meters still standing today.
The von Rettenberg family built the fortress in the late 13th century for the Lords of Nesselwang. In 1595, a fire damaged it so severely that it could no longer serve as a residence.
The castle served as the seat of power and administration for the surrounding lands. Visitors today connect it to the region's past and use the site as a popular hiking destination.
The site is reachable by a hiking trail south of Nesselwang and sits on a mountain ridge in hilly terrain. Good footwear and some fitness are needed to visit the ruins.
The fortress used the natural landscape as a defense system: the eastern and western sides drop steeply into stream gorges. These natural cliffs formed an additional barrier that deterred attackers.
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