Ruine Achalm

Reutlingen, Germany, Germany

---

Ruine Achalm is the remains of a medieval hilltop castle on the Achalm, a 707‑meter‑high “house mountain” overlooking the town of Reutlingen in Baden‑Württemberg, Germany.

The fortress was built around the early 11th century, likely by Count Egino or his brother Rudolf of Achalm, and served as the seat of the local counts before later becoming a Reichsburg (imperial castle) and then passing to Württemberg. Over time the castle fell into decline, was partially destroyed in later conflicts, and finally collapsed by the 15th century, with only sparse foundations and fragments of the original walls still visible today.

On the old castle site stands a stone tower built in 1838 on the original keep foundations, which now serves as an observation tower offering wide views over Reutlingen, the Albvorland, and stretches of the Swabian Alb, making the Achalm a popular short hike and lookout for both locals and visitors.