Burg Liebenzell

Bad Liebenzell, Germany, Germany

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Burg Liebenzell is a medieval spur castle perched 450 meters above sea level on a hillside spur of the Schlossberg overlooking the spa town of Bad Liebenzell in the Black Forest district of Calw, Baden-Württemberg, Germany.

Built in the early 12th century by the Counts of Eberstein (some sources say the Counts of Calw) to protect their possessions along the Nagold River, it was once the most important castle in the Württemberg Black Forest. The castle was expanded between 1220 and 1230, abandoned by residents in the 16th century, and fell into ruin except for the tower and shield wall, before being rebuilt in the 1950s by the International Forum Burg Liebenzell.

Today the castle houses a youth education and conference center dedicated to political education and international youth exchanges, with capacity for up to 75 guests in modern and historic buildings. The castle's 32-meter-tall six-story bergfried (keep) can be climbed via about 200 steps when weather permits, offering excellent views over Bad Liebenzell and the surrounding Black Forest.

The tower is open to the public from 9:00 to 18:00 in good weather (closed in winter or bad weather due to slippery stairs), costs €1 for adults and €0.50 for children, and has a beverage vending machine inside. While there is no public restaurant for tourists at the castle itself, nearby hiking trails invite exploration of the North Black Forest, and the town offers a wonderful spa and riverwalk.