Werenwag

Werenwag is a castle perched on a steep rocky outcrop above the Danube, featuring multiple stone structures, a tower, and a chapel. A deep moat encircles the compound, defining the boundary between the fortress and the surrounding terrain.

The fortress was founded around 1100 by the von First family and subsequently changed hands among various noble families including the Hohenbergs and Habsburgs. It eventually passed to the House of Fürstenberg, which retains ownership to this day.

Hugo von Werenwag, a 13th-century resident, was a minnesinger who created courtly love songs in the medieval German tradition. His artistic legacy connects this fortress to the broader culture of medieval poetry and music.

The fortress remains in private hands and does not permit public access to its interior, but excellent views are possible from multiple vantage points nearby. Walking along the Danube riverbank or nearby hiking trails offers the best perspectives on the structure.

An earthquake in 1911 caused substantial damage to the tower and staircase, leaving visible cracks throughout the medieval structure. These traces of the quake remain visible and tell the story of nature's impact on this ancient fortress.