Burgruine Neufürstenberg, Schwarzwald-Baar, Medieval castle ruins in Vöhrenbach, Germany
Burgruine Neufürstenberg is a castle ruin in Vöhrenbach, Schwarzwald-Baar, with its most distinctive feature being a massive shield wall measuring 15 meters high and 3.5 meters thick that protected the western side. The structure sits on a rocky spur between the Breg River and Urach stream, and lacks a main tower unlike typical medieval German fortifications.
Built between 1275 and 1350 by the Counts of Fürstenberg-Haslach, the fortress served to control ore mining operations and secure the route between Breisgau and Baar. The stronghold was destroyed in 1525, which marked the end of its role as a regional control point.
The castle's destruction in 1525 led to an unusual punishment where Vöhrenbach residents had to include a donkey in their city coat of arms, a mark that lasted until the 19th century. This curious requirement makes the ruins a distinctive symbol of local identity.
The ruins are accessible through a short walk from the Breg bridge, and entry is completely free. The location between two waterways makes it easy to orient yourself while exploring the site.
The ruins rise from a rocky spur between two streams, a position that created a natural defensive line against attack. This location between the Breg and Urach waterways allowed the fortress to monitor river traffic while remaining difficult to approach from the water.
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