Burg Zavelstein

Bad Teinach-Zavelstein, Germany, Germany

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Burgruine Zavelstein is a medieval hilltop castle ruin located at 560 meters above sea level on a mountain spur above the Teinach valley on the southeastern edge of Bad Teinach-Zavelstein in the Calw district of Baden-Württemberg, Germany.

Archaeological investigations suggest the castle was built around the middle of the 13th century, though it was first mentioned in writing in 1303, and it was originally constructed as an administrative castle (Vogtsburg) by the Counts of Calw around 1200. The castle and the town of Zavelstein were built simultaneously, and in 1345 the castle was sold to the Counts of Württemberg, with Zavelstein being elevated to city status in 1367 by Eberhardt II.

The fortress was destroyed in 1692 by French troops under Melac during the Nine Years' War, though its compact inner castle (Kernburg) has been well preserved despite its small size and is considered one of the most beautiful castles in the region. The ruins feature two defensive moats (Halsgräben), a gate complex, the palace ruins (Palas), a vaulted cellar, parts of the shield wall, remains of the curtain wall and Zwinger (outer defensive passage), and an impressive 28–29 meter high Bergfried (keep) built from rusticated stone blocks.

The castle is open to visitors free of charge, and the tower can be climbed for a small fee (50 cents for adults, 25 cents for children under 14) from March to November, offering beautiful panoramic views over Zavelstein and the Teinach valley.