Burg Lichtenfels: A High-Medieval Hilltop Castle Ruin in Germany
Site at a Glance
- Rating
- 4.3
- Popularity
- Very Low
- Country
- Germany
- Primary era
- Medieval
- External website
- Open
- Eras represented
- Medieval
- Civilizations
- Holy Roman Empire
- Site type
- Military
- Remains
- Castle
On this page5 sections
History
Foundation and Early Destruction
Burg Lichtenfels is a high-medieval hilltop castle ruin near Leinstetten in Baden-Württemberg, Germany. The Counts of Hohenberg probably founded it during the twelfth century, with its origin placed between about 1100 and 1200. The noble family of Lichtenfels was related to the Lords of Dettingen and shared their coat of arms.
The castle was first destroyed in 1298 during the Battle of Leinstetten. This conflict marked a decisive break in its early history, and the damaged stronghold did not return to its former role.
Later Ownership and Abandonment
In 1423, part of Burg Lichtenfels belonged to the Counts of Zollern, a powerful aristocratic dynasty in southwestern Germany. During the fifteenth century, Countess Henriette of Württemberg ordered a siege of Lichtenfels, during which Count Friedrich of Zollern was captured. The castle was not rebuilt after its destruction and was abandoned in favor of Leinstetten Castle.
By the end of the twentieth century, the ruin belonged to the Barons of Podewils and had undergone extensive renovation. The surviving structure nevertheless remains in a ruined condition.
Remains
Fortification on the Castle Hill
The former fortification stood at approximately 500 meters above sea level on a hill above the Glatt valley, between the Dornhan districts of Leinstetten and Bettenhausen. Its shield wall, a substantial defensive wall protecting the most exposed side of a medieval castle, survives in its entirety. An adjoining section of the southern wall remains only partially. Traces of the former castle ditch can still be seen around the castle hill, while the surviving masonry as a whole is preserved as a ruin.
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