Burg Tiefenstein, Medieval castle ruins in Tiefenstein, Baden-Württemberg, Germany.

Burg Tiefenstein comprises medieval castle ruins sitting atop a hillside near an abandoned quarry in this small village. Two substantial wall sections remain from the original stone fortress that once dominated the landscape.

Burg Tiefenstein is first documented in 1241, though the Lords of Teufen probably built it only in the 13th century; the Barons of Tegerfelden are also considered possible founders. In early 1272 Rudolf von Habsburg destroyed the castle during the siege of Basel, shortly after the Bishop of Basel, Heinrich von Neuenburg, had bought it.

The castle gave its name to the village of Tiefenstein and to the family that later called itself Lords of Tiefenstein instead of Lords of Teufen. Abbot Caspar of St. Blasien recorded in his chronicle the legend of the Last Tiefensteiner, a tale tied to the ruin.

The forest trail leading to this site is currently closed, making the ruins inaccessible to visitors at the moment. Before planning a visit, check locally to see if access has reopened and the path is safe to use.

About 300 meters from the main castle site lie the remains of an earlier fortification called Wallburg Tiefenstein. This older structure shows that the location served defensive purposes long before the 13th-century castle was built.