Staufen, Mountain summit in Hegau, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
Staufen is a volcanic cone in the Hegau region that rises to 593 meters (1,946 feet) in the Konstanz district of southern Baden-Württemberg. The summit holds the remains of a medieval castle, with visible foundation stones and archaeological traces scattered across the hilltop.
A Roman watchtower once stood on this summit before a castle was built in the 12th century. Swedish forces demolished the fortification during the Thirty Years' War, and it was never rebuilt.
The castle at Staufen remained an active settlement until 1607, representing the architectural and defensive practices of medieval German fortifications.
Several hiking routes lead to the summit from different starting points around the base. Wear sturdy shoes since the path crosses rocky ground and uneven terrain.
A medieval chapel once crowned this peak and drew pilgrims for centuries before disappearing. Visitors today find themselves surrounded by views of the entire Hegau volcanic landscape, with numerous other cones visible across the rolling terrain.
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