Kirnburg, Castle ruin in Herbolzheim, Germany.
Kirnburg is a castle ruin situated on Kirnberg mountain at approximately 382 meters elevation, overlooking where the Kirnbach river meets the Bleiche valley. The fortified complex spans defensive walls of roughly 60 by 80 meters and displays both stone tower and fortification structures from the medieval period.
Rudolf I von Üsenberg built the castle in the early 13th century as an administrative center to govern Kenzingen and Kürnberg. It remained under this rule until 1638, when a new period began.
The castle displays medieval construction with a square tower built from rusticated stone blocks and a fortified wall whose arrangement reflects strategic control of the valley. Visitors can observe these architectural features during a walk through the site and understand how the fortress was once designed.
The ruin is accessible via hiking trails of varying difficulty, allowing visitors to explore the site from different angles. Proper footwear is recommended, as the terrain is uneven and some structures remain fragile in places.
Knight Wolf von Hürnheim made significant changes to the castle in 1515 by installing a tiled stove and redesigning the great hall. These upgrades show that the fortress continued to be maintained and inhabited in its later years before gradual decline set in.
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