Burg Berneck, Medieval hilltop castle in Altensteig, Germany.

Burg Berneck is a medieval castle situated on a rocky hilltop between valleys. The structure leverages steep slopes as natural defensive barriers, while a massive shield wall reinforces the exposed side.

The castle was built between 1050 and 1100 as a seat of the noble lords of Berneck. After their dynasty ended in the 16th century, the structure lost its original function.

The name reflects its position on a rocky ridge where defenders could watch over the surrounding lands. Today visitors walking around the perimeter notice how the natural rock formations work together with the built structures to create a powerful defensive position.

The castle grounds are closed to public entry, but hiking trails circle the structure through the surrounding Black Forest. These paths offer good viewpoints of the castle from different angles.

The ditch cut from the rock, which once protected the town and castle on the exposed side, has been filled in; no trace of it remains visible today. What survives is the shield wall, 26.6 metres long, about 38 metres high and 3.3 metres thick at its base, still visible from far off.