Alt-Trauchburg Castle, Medieval castle in Weitnau, Germany
Alt-Trauchburg is a medieval castle in Bavaria perched on a mountain spur at around 900 meters elevation. The remaining structures include stone walls and towers from different building phases, including a tower house and reinforced outer areas.
The site began around 1100 and was first built by the von Trauchburg family at a different location before being moved to this spot around 1200. The family chose this mountain position to strengthen their control over the Bavarian region.
The castle layout reveals how medieval nobility lived in this mountain location and used the space to control surrounding territories. Walking through the remains, you can see how rooms connected and what purposes different areas served.
A modern wooden bridge crosses the neck ditch and provides access to the ruins and gate area. Visitors should prepare for uneven ground and steep paths, so good footwear is recommended.
Archaeologist Joachim Zeune oversaw recent restoration work that added climbing holds to the walls, allowing visitors to directly touch and interact with the medieval structure. This unusual approach blends preservation with hands-on exploration.
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