Ruine Ringelstein

Ringelstein is a castle ruin in Ringingen in Baden-Württemberg that stands on a rocky hill at 870 meters elevation between Ringingen and Burladingen. The stone remains form the basic structure of a medieval residential tower that once rose several meters above ground and has been partially worn away by erosion.

The castle was first documented in 1274 as Ringenstein and served as a residence for the Württemberg noble family who took their name from this fortification. The structure was part of a network of fortifications that controlled regional trade routes of that time.

The pentagonal residential tower shows medieval building methods through its mix of rough stones and cut blocks in different sections. The different ways stones were worked reveal various construction phases and repairs across the centuries.

The ruin can be reached from Ringingen via marked hiking trails that follow good paths up the hill. The surrounding area is green and relatively quiet, with the best time to visit during sunny weather when the south-facing exposure makes the views clearer.

Excavations show the castle had two stories with wooden floors covered in roof tiles, with ceramic fragments found as evidence. These findings suggest the tower was a comfortable residence for its time, with structured interior spaces rather than simple chambers.

Location: Ringingen

GPS coordinates: 48.31000,9.11310

Latest update: December 9, 2025 20:27