Hatzenturm

Wolpertswende, Germany, Germany

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Hatzenturm is the name of a well‑preserved medieval square tower fort in the village of Wolpertswende, Baden‑Württemberg, southern Germany, perched on a hill about 580 meters above sea level with fine views over the Schussen Valley.

It dates back to around 1128, originally built by local knightly lords connected to the rival Welf and Staufer dynasties as part of a small chain of defensive towers in the region, and served as a fortified residence rather than a large castle complex.

The structure stands roughly 18 meters high with sides about 9 by 9 meters and walls up to 2.5 meters thick, constructed from heavy stone blocks and built with its original entrance in the second floor, reachable only by a removable ladder.

Although the surrounding buildings of the old fort have long since vanished or been absorbed into modern development, the tower itself survives as a local landmark and cultural monument, privately owned but generally open to visitors on weekends or by appointment, functioning both as a historical site and a viewpoint over the surrounding countryside.