High Castle: A Ruin with a View

Explore the majestic ruins of High Castle near Emmendingen, a historic fortress offering panoramic views and a glimpse into centuries of military architecture.

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High Castle

High Castle, or Hochburg, near Emmendingen, is one of the largest castle ruins in the Upper Rhine Valley, offering a captivating glimpse into half a millennium of military architecture. Founded in the 11th century, the castle boasts a rich history, having been owned by the Lords of Hachberg and the Margraves of Baden. Its strategic hilltop location provides breathtaking panoramic views of the Rhine Valley and the Black Forest. Explore the remnants of this once-mighty fortress, including its impressive bastions and defensive walls, and discover the stories etched into its stones. While largely destroyed in the 17th century, the ruins have been preserved and maintained, allowing visitors to wander through history and imagine the castle's former glory. The site is open year-round, offering a unique experience in every season, from the lush greenery of summer to the stark beauty of winter.

A brief summary to High Castle

Burg, Emmendingen, Hochburg, 79312, DE

Local tips

Wear sturdy shoes as the terrain within the castle ruins can be uneven and rocky.
Bring a picnic to enjoy on the castle grounds, taking in the stunning views of the Rhine Valley and Black Forest.
Check the Hochburg's website for upcoming events, such as historical reenactments or concerts.
Visit the small museum within the castle to learn more about its history and significance.
Combine your visit with a hike on one of the many scenic trails in the surrounding area.

Getting There

Bus

From Emmendingen train station, take bus line SB5 towards Windenreute. Get off at the 'Windenreute Hochburg' stop. From there, follow the signs uphill for approximately 15-20 minutes on foot to reach the castle entrance. The bus ride takes about 20 minutes. A single bus fare costs approximately €3-5.
Taxi/Ride-Share

A taxi or ride-share from Emmendingen train station to High Castle takes approximately 15 minutes. The ride will cost around €21-€26. Note that while you can be dropped off near the castle, parking is limited, and a short uphill walk is still required to reach the entrance.
Walking

For those who enjoy a scenic walk, a hiking route leads from Emmendingen's Stadtgarten (city park) to High Castle. The trail is approximately 6 kilometers long and takes around 1.5-2 hours to complete. Follow the signs for 'Hochburg' along the well-marked path. Be prepared for an uphill climb towards the end of the hike.
Driving

From Emmendingen, follow the signs for 'Hochburg'. The route will take you through Windenreute. Continue up the hill until you reach the visitor parking area located just beyond a farmhouse on the left side of the road. From the parking area, it's a short, but steep, walk up a footpath to the castle. Parking is free but can be limited, especially during peak season.

Discover more about High Castle

Perched on a commanding hilltop near Emmendingen, Germany, High Castle, or Hochburg, stands as a testament to centuries of strategic importance and architectural evolution. This extensive castle ruin, one of the largest in the Upper Rhine Valley, offers visitors a unique opportunity to step back in time and explore the remnants of a once-imposing fortress. Founded in the 11th century, likely by Dietrich von Emmendingen, who later adopted the name von Hachberg, the castle initially served to control the surrounding forests and resources. Throughout its history, High Castle has been at the center of regional power struggles. The Lords of Hachberg, and later the Margraves of Baden, recognized the castle's strategic value, expanding and fortifying it over the centuries. In the 16th century, Margrave Karl II transformed the medieval castle into a Renaissance-style palace and fortress, reflecting the changing military technologies and aesthetic sensibilities of the time. The 17th century marked the castle's golden age when Margrave Georg Friedrich von Baden ordered the construction of seven star-shaped bastions to bolster its defenses against looming military threats. However, High Castle's strategic importance also made it a target. During the Thirty Years' War, the castle endured a two-year siege before ultimately falling and being partially destroyed. Although reconstruction efforts began in 1660, the War of the Palatinate Succession brought further devastation in 1689, leaving the castle in ruins. Despite its turbulent past, the ruins of High Castle continue to inspire awe and fascination. The sheer scale of the complex, with its towering walls, imposing gate, and remnants of bastions, provides a tangible connection to the past. Visitors can wander through the grounds, exploring the various levels and fortifications, and imagine what life was like within the castle walls. Today, the "Association for the Preservation of the Hochburg Ruin" works tirelessly to maintain and restore the site, ensuring that future generations can appreciate its historical significance. The association also operates a small museum within the castle grounds, showcasing artifacts and exhibits that tell the story of High Castle and its inhabitants. From the castle's elevated position, visitors are treated to breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. To the west, the Rhine Valley stretches out towards France, while to the east, the peaks of the Black Forest rise majestically. On a clear day, it is even possible to see the Swiss Alps in the distance. Visiting High Castle is an immersive experience that combines history, architecture, and natural beauty. Whether you are a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or simply looking for a scenic escape, High Castle offers something for everyone. Explore the well-preserved ruins, learn about the castle's fascinating past, and soak in the stunning views. The castle is open year-round, allowing visitors to experience its unique charm in every season. In the spring and summer, the surrounding vineyards and forests come alive with vibrant colors, while in the autumn, the landscape is ablaze with fiery hues. Even in the winter, the snow-covered ruins offer a stark and beautiful contrast to the surrounding landscape. The castle also hosts various events throughout the year, including historical reenactments, concerts, and festivals, providing visitors with even more opportunities to engage with its rich history and culture. A visit to High Castle is a journey through time, a chance to connect with the past, and an opportunity to appreciate the enduring power of human ingenuity and resilience. It's a place where history comes alive, and where the stories of generations past echo through the stones.

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Your Ultimate Free Travel Guide

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High Castle: A Ruin with a View

A brief summary to High Castle

Local tips

Getting There

Bus

Taxi/Ride-Share

Walking

Driving

Unlock the Best of High Castle

Buy tickets

Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

Discover more about High Castle

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

High Castle

Ruine Hochburg

Milleniumswald

Schwimmender Steg

Chabad Lubawitsch Freiburg e.V.

Karlssteg

Schlossbergbahn

Colombi Palace

Tourist Information Freiburg

Rathauspl. 2-4

Museum für Stadtgeschichte

2. Schlossbergsteg vom Schwabentor zum Greiffenegg-Aufzug

University Church, Freiburg

Bertoldsbrunnen

Kanonenplatz

Unmissable attractions to see

Grünfassade am Tower

Universität Freiburg Botanical Garden

Rupert Fischer Brunnen

Mammutbaum

Bundschuhplatz

Old cemetery of Freiburg im Breisgau

Kleine Insel

Seepark Freiburg

Sommerlinde - Naturdenkmal

Säule des Keramikforums

בית חב"ד ביער השחור - פרייבורג Jüdische Orthodoxe Synagoge

Freiburg Islamic Centre

Gedenksäule

Kunst zu Diensten

Stadtgarten Freiburg

Essential places to dine

Waldrestaurant Zähringer Burg - Freiburg im Breisgau

Zum Ochsen

Restaurant Die Kantina

Chez Eric

Restaurant Eichhalde

Heimatküche Restaurant. Cafe.Bar

Goldener Sternen

Hotel Restaurant Bierhäusle

Magellan - Freiburg im Breisgau

YepaYepa GmbH

Gioia Mia

Dattler

Brennessel - Freiburg im Breisgau

Tom's

Drexlers - Freiburg im Breisgau

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Bar Black Forest

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