Ruine Hornstein

Ruine Hornstein is a castle ruin situated at 630 meters (2,067 feet) above sea level on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Lauchert valley in Baden-Württemberg. A spiral staircase provides access to the tower room, allowing visitors to explore the preserved interior and take in views of the surrounding landscape.

The site was first documented in 1244 when the Herren von Hornstein family established their stronghold at this strategic location. Over the following centuries, the structure served different purposes and changed hands according to the shifts in power and regional needs.

The chapel still stands as a reminder of how religious spaces served different purposes through the centuries. Visitors walking through it can sense how the castle adapted to changing needs while keeping certain traditions alive.

Access to the tower room involves climbing a spiral staircase that winds through the interior of the structure. On Sundays from May through September, visitors can enjoy homemade cakes and coffee, adding a pleasant break to their exploration.

From 1818 to 1869, the castle served as a reformatory and correctional facility under Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen administration and later Prussian control. This surprising chapter in its story reveals how medieval fortresses took on completely different roles during the 19th century.