グロースボットヴァーの洞窟・トップ20

The castle is not open to the public. Guided tours are occasionally available on Sundays (€10). Dates are published in the press. Registration is required by phone.

Helfenberg Castle, built in the Staufer period, was once a large residential castle with a residential tower and shield wall. The elaborately designed residential tower with three floors leaned against the shield wall. Other knightly families keep cropping up as owners. In 1259, the name Albertus de Helfenberg is mentioned in a document from the Lichtenthal monastery. In 1579, Philipp von Wittstadt rebuilt and expanded Helfenberg Castle. He tried several times to have the castle transferred to his daughter or her son-in-law, Hans von Buchholz, but the Württemberg fiefdom refused permission. This was the reason why Hans von Buchholz had his own castle built down in the hamlet of Finkenbach. The name Finkenbach probably changed to Helfenberg (Unterhelfenberg) in the process. With Unterhelfenberg and Oberhelfenberg, there were thus two knightly estates in 1625. Since the 18th century, the entire Helfenberg estate was in the hands of the von Gaisberg family.

Hollow walls, fantastic, huge windows. This is a great place to take a short break after the climb. The photo shows the view of the Amalienhof winery.

The Grafenburg in Lauffen am Neckar is a residential castle from the early 11th century. It is located on an island in the Neckar and was built by the Counts of Lauffen. The Grafenburg now serves as Lauffen's town hall and is the only island castle on the Neckar. https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grafenburg_(Lauffen_am_Neckar)

Good bike path up to the castle. Route through the vineyards, little to no traffic. Steep approach, which is worthwhile. Once at the top, there is a great view. By the way, you can watch great sunsets from there!

Above the vineyards, nice and shady inside to linger after the climb. Not overcrowded at all, but I think it's worth seeing.

From Helfenberg it is worth hiking to the neighboring castle, Schloss Wildeck, which takes about 20 minutes. This is still preserved and inhabited (I think the vineyard school of viticulture uses the rooms)

Great view in clear weather. However, anyone who wants to go to the castle on Sundays is often out of luck, as it is then closed for private parties.