View from Schwarzenburg Ruins

A nice view over the valley.

Almost a must is the short, but steep detour to the ruin Schwarzenberg with fantastic views of the Kastelburg and in the distance to the ruin stronghold. The view goes far into the country over the Kaiserstuhl and the Rhine plain up to the Vosges mountains. The lords of Schwarzenberg built in the first half of the 12th century on a 656 meter high ledge of the Waldkirch local mountain Kandel the Schwarzenburg, whose first mention as "Svarcenberk" from the year 1139 comes. It was built as an escape and protection castle, possibly also out of power-political considerations of the Schwarzenbergs, in order to demonstrate their position as a free, only subordinate to the emperor noble family with this castle visible far into the Rhine Valley. Already in 1583, the castle had deteriorated greatly, in 1590 there was nothing left to see from the roof trusses and the walls partially collapsed. The ruin was later used as a quarry.The courtyard with its seating groups is ideal for a break to eat the snacks brought. Fresh drinking water is available at the Schwarzenberghütte, which is located at the beginning of the ascent to the castle on the way down.

In contrast to the Kastelburg, which towers prominently above Waldkirch, the Schwarzenburgrunine can hardly be seen from below. There are also only a few remains of the wall. But this medieval relic is definitely worth a trip: the remote paths through an idyllic side valley and the castle itself are much less frequented than most other tourist destinations. Those who are not afraid of the strenuous ascent will be rewarded with a wonderful panoramic view of the city of Waldkirch and the Second Valley region.