Eselsburg Castle, Medieval castle ruin in Herbrechtingen, Germany.

Eselsburg is a castle ruin in Herbrechtingen situated on a cliff overlooking the valley, with fragments of walls still visible. A striking defensive trench was carved directly into the rock to strengthen the fortification.

Built around 1200 as the seat of ministeriales serving the Counts of Dillingen, the castle was sold by the Eselsburg family in 1343. After passing through several owners, it was burned in 1462 during the Reichskrieg against the Duchy of Bavaria. Acquired by Württemberg, it was abandoned from 1593 and by 1690 was recorded as completely fallen in.

The site shows how medieval lords demonstrated power through construction and controlled their territories from elevated positions. Visitors can still see how the clifftop location reinforced such claims of authority.

The ruins sit on elevated ground above the plain and are easily reached via hiking trails through the forest. Visitors should wear sturdy shoes, as the path to the remains goes over woodland trails.

The 1591 Renlinsche Forstkarte, kept in the Germanisches Nationalmuseum in Nuremberg, shows two gabled castle houses and a tower topped by a helm on the small 23 by 30 metre core. The rock-cut neck ditch is about five metres deep and four to five metres wide.