Hertenstein Ruin

En un regard

Le château en bref

The ruin of Hertenstein, also known as the "Altes Schloss", is the former small fortress of the lords of Hertenstein. It lies north of Sigmaringen, on the right bank of the Lauchert, between Jungnau and the Hanfertal, near the hamlet of Nollhof. This spur castle occupies a rocky outcrop at around 650 metres above sea level, at the edge of the forest that still bears the name Altes Schloss, and overlooks the Lauchert valley from a height of some forty metres. Opposite it stood the vanished castle of Isikofen. A modest seat of a family of ministerials in the service of the counts of Veringen, the castle was abandoned as early as the 14th century. Only faint traces remain, but the great ditch cut into the rock is spectacular and shows the effort invested in defending the side of the plateau. The site illustrates the many forgotten castles of the Swabian Jura, residences of the service nobility that were abandoned early in favour of more comfortable seats. An information board presents its history, and the site, which is freely accessible, offers a fine view over the valley.