Burgruine Hohenurach

A really large ruin complex of the former Hohenurach prison fortress. The Urach Waterfall can be seen and heard from there. There are still a few rooms, cellars, dungeons and open spaces to explore here and the ruins are definitely worth a detour. The castle ruins will be renovated in four construction phases by 2024, but only a very small part is surrounded by scaffolding, which does not detract from the experience at the castle. We found it extremely beautiful and interesting. The spiral staircases are often very small and narrow, so clothing that can get a little dirty should be worn, otherwise everything is very accessible.

It is one of the largest, most massive and significant castles in southern Germany, and has a long and much-contested past.
Start of construction: 1025
First documentary mention: 1235
Purchase by the Earl of Württemberg: 1264
Expansion: 1428
Capture of the fortress by the Swabian League: 1519
Extension to one of the seven Württemberg state fortress: 1534 - 1556
Occupied by imperial troops in the Thirty Years' War: 1635
Duke Carl Eugen of Württemberg ordered the demolition of the fortress: 1765
As a state prison, the Hohenurach housed such famous prisoners as the poet Nicodemus Frischlin (1590); the Württemberg Chancellor Matthäus Enslin (1613); The beloved of Duke Eberhard Ludwig, Countess von Grävenitz (1731 - 1732); and Donato Guiseppe Frisoni, the architect of Schloss Ludwigsburg (1735)

The climb is quite steep and exhausting, but above you are rewarded by the view

ATTENTION! Construction work always Mon-Thu from April 2018 - unbrkammt.

It's really worth it! The climb is a bit steep but the great view, the spooky cellar and the romantic flair rewards everything.

As already described here, the ruin is today a very worthwhile destination and should not be missed during a visit to the Urach waterfall.

A little history:
The once proud castle Hohenurach was built in the middle of the 11th century under the then Count of Urach.
In the following centuries, the ownership changed and the castle was part of numerous conflicts, especially in the Thirty Years' War. Until 1694 a heavy lightning strike in the Powder Tower destroyed large parts of the fortress and this was finally abandoned in 1761.
In more detail: de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burg_Hohenurach

The tour can be very well combined with a detour via the Urach waterfall. There you can fortify yourself at the kiosk and walk the way back to the parking lot along the idyllic stream.

I've been coming here regularly for over 20 years. Now I was here at night too. This is a completely different experience. Really great. Highly recommended.

The steep ascent to the ruins is rewarded with a fantastic view down to Bad Urach and surroundings. A visit is always worthwhile.

Far from noise and bustle a place to lie in the sun and to look in the blue sky.
Pure relaxation.

Fantastic view down to Bad Urach and surroundings

Great view. Many secret passages and rooms. Sitting on old walls and resting on sunny meadows.

Here is a very great ruin, with a wonderful all-round view and several grills where you can grill something cozy! The view is unique.
The climb definitely requires a few drops of sweat.

The great views and cozy benches worth the steep climb

Very well-preserved castle ruins, which still has many small passages especially for children to discover

Interesting castle ruins and beautiful views of Bad Urbach

Very well-preserved castle ruins, which holds especially for the little ones, a lot of small passages to discover

If you like ruins, you can explore one or two small "something".
A few hallways, stairs that go in small rooms are still available. One or the other hiker you meet of course up there and with me, with inclusive school excursion class :-)

Very well preserved castle ruin, which holds many aisles and vaults ready for the little ones to discover

The ascent is steep, but worth it absolutely. Nice view of the surroundings. Currently being restored (I think until 2020).

Great and well-preserved ruin

This ruin was not only a fortress, it was also a prison, today you have a great view, atmosphere

A steep climb, but it's worth it !! A wonderful view.

Excellent view of Bad Urach and the round mountain.
Some rooms are well preserved and can be used for overnight stays.

Great hiking destination, if you start early in the morning, the valley is still in the shade and above the sun is already shining.