Heidenschuh, Hill fort in Klingenmünster, Germany

Heidenschuh is a hill fort on the Treutelsberg near Klingenmünster, a ring-wall enclosure closing off a steep rocky spur. The inner cross-wall is 60 metres long and 3.5 metres wide, built of unworked stones with rubble fill; its gate lies 26 metres from the north end. A 6-metre-wide ditch runs in front of the outer wall.

No written records or small finds such as weapons, tools, jewellery or pottery have survived, so the fort's age cannot be fixed precisely. Its form and construction point to the Carolingian-Ottonian period of the 8th to 9th century, and it was probably raised as a refuge against Norman raids. The original name was lost; the present one dates only from the 18th century, when the ruins were attributed to heathens.

The name Heidenschuh dates only from the 18th century, when the remains were attributed to heathens; the original name is lost. Similar names were given to other sites such as Heidenlöcher, Heidenburg and Burg Schlosseck. The sketch map labels two gates "Tor" and a ditch "Graben".

The castle is reachable via a hiking path from the Pfalzklinik parking area, with the walk going uphill through natural terrain that requires steady footwork. Visitors should wear sturdy shoes and allow time to explore the site thoroughly and enjoy the views from the top.

The outer rampart once stood four to five metres thick, fronted by a six-metre-wide ditch that runs 18 metres past the wall and down the slope. The inner wall, 60 metres long and 3.5 metres wide, is the better preserved; its gate lies 26 metres from the northern end, flanked by short projecting wall stubs.