Ruine Hohenwittlingen

Bad Urach, Germany, Germany

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Ruine Hohenwittlingen is a prominent medieval spur castle ruin dramatically perched on a 677-meter rock spur above Wittlingen in Bad Urach, Germany, guarding the upper Erms Valley and Föhrental junction.

First documented in 1248 under the Counts of Urach and acquired by Württemberg in 1251, it served as a key military stronghold through the 14th century with distinct building phases—early 12th-century quader masonry, 13th-century buckelquader shield walls, and later palas remnants—enduring sieges like the 1311 imperial war before partial destruction by fire in 1576.

Today, the secured ruins feature a main tower base, courtyards, and panoramic Alb views, reached via a 15-minute marked trail from Wittlingen parking, popular for hikes linking to Wolfschlucht gorge and Schillerhöhle cave.