Rastatt Fortress

Rastatt Fortress is a 19th-century military complex with three separate defensive works: Leopoldsfeste, Ludwigsfeste, and Friedrichsfeste. The entire construction follows Prussian fortification principles, featuring earthen ramparts and casemates designed to create a layered defense system.

The fortress was built between 1842 and 1852 to defend southern Germany against French attacks. During the Franco-Prussian War in 1870, it served as a prisoner camp and became a strategic point in regional defense efforts.

The name honors the rulers of Baden who governed this region during its construction. Today, visitors can see how the massive earthworks shape the landscape and how the strict geometric design reflects the military precision valued at that time.

The best starting point for visitors is Casemate 1, which remains the most preserved section and easiest to access. From there, you can walk the ramparts and explore the different areas of the complex at a comfortable pace.

The site was originally designed to house up to 30,000 soldiers, making it one of the largest garrison stations of its time. This exceptional capacity shows just how critical this location was to the military strategy of the entire region.