Castles around Denzlingen offer a blend of historical exploration and scenic landscapes. While Denzlingen itself features a significant historical ruin, the surrounding area provides access to several notable castle ruins. These sites are situated in natural settings, often providing views of the Upper Rhine Valley. The region's history includes medieval fortifications and pilgrimage sites.
Last updated: May 26, 2026
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The tower is not open. According to a sign, keys for the door can be borrowed from the forest restaurant just below.
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The settlement of the landscape in Freiamt has probably in the 11./12. Century during the great clearing epoch of the Black Forest. Even then, people knew that there could be silver ore veins between the rocks in the federal sandstone in the Brettenbach valley. So the Zähringer dukes took favorable land and pushed out the smaller nobility who were busy with the clearing. The Zähringers appointed a able subject a knight of Keppenbach and ordered him to build a castle to protect the silver ore mines. This finally reaches a length of 200 meters and a width of 35 meters. However, the yield of silver was lower than hoped. Mining was abandoned around 1800 at the latest. The first written mention of the Knights of Keppenbach was in 1161. Hartmut von Keppenbach is listed as a witness in a purchase deed from Tennebach. Since the age of the castle is not known, it can be concluded that Keppenbach Castle already existed at this time. You can find more information about Bur Keppenbach on my homepage: https://www.breisgau-burgen.de/de/index.php/breisgau-burgen/burgen-a-h/burgen-f/freiamt-burg-keppenbach
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Magnificent views from the tower.
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The history of the castle is very interesting. The tower can be walked on and you can enjoy a fantastic view
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worth the climb, great castle with beautiful views. The tower can be climbed during the day.
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Keys to the castle are available for a deposit at the Zähringen forest restaurant. On busy days it is better to leave an exchangeable deposit in the form of money, as the key can then be passed on to subsequent visitors in exchange for a "deposit exchange". The view from the tower is worth it!
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The Schlossbergturm is a 33.27 meter high observation tower on the Schlossberg. The Schlossberg Tower was erected in 2002 by the Board of Trustees on the Salzbüchslekuppe. For the construction, the architect used 100-year-old Douglas fir trunks from the local Ottilienwald, which fell over due to the severe hurricane Lothar in 1999. The long logs were twisted around the steel staircase. In honor of all donors who made construction possible in 2002, their names were placed on the face of the 153 steps to the top of the tower and can be read when climbing the tower. However, the natural construction with the tree trunks was repeatedly attacked by fungi and pests in the years that followed. In July 2015, the dilapidated logs were finally removed after several rescue attempts. After the tower was inaccessible for a long time, it was finally renewed in 2017 by the board of trustees and the donations they collected. In this step, the tree trunks were replaced by a reliable steel construction. The cost of the renovation was 192,000 euros, but the city expects the galvanized steel pylons to last 100 years. Source: https://www.kuratorium-schlossberg.de/eip/pages/schlossbergturm.php
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While Denzlingen itself doesn't have grand, intact castles, it is home to the significant St. Severin Chapel Ruin on the Mauracher Berg. This late-medieval pilgrimage church has a long history, with archaeological findings suggesting a pre-medieval farmstead and older church foundations beneath it. It's a popular spot for excursions and offers a beautiful, idyllic setting.
For panoramic views, the Schlossberg Tower in Freiburg provides vistas extending all the way to France. The Kastelburg Castle Ruins offer excellent views of Waldkirch and its surroundings, while the Hochburg Ruins (Emmendingen) also provide scenic outlooks over the Upper Rhine Valley.
Yes, the Hochburg Ruins (Emmendingen) are noted as a family-friendly, large, and largely accessible castle complex. The Landeck Castle Ruins are also considered family-friendly and feature a nearby 'Burgschenke' (castle tavern).
Many castles are integrated into hiking routes. For instance, you can find various hiking trails around Denzlingen, including easy and moderate options. Some routes specifically lead to or pass by castle ruins. You can explore these options in the Hiking around Denzlingen guide or the Easy hikes around Denzlingen guide. There are also gravel biking routes available, such as those found in the Gravel biking around Denzlingen guide.
The Hochburg Ruins (Emmendingen) are one of the largest ruined castles in the Upper Rhine Valley, showcasing half a millennium of military architecture and first mentioned in the 12th century. The St. Severin Chapel Ruin in Denzlingen also holds deep historical roots, from a potential early medieval farmstead to a pilgrimage church.
Yes, the Landeck Castle Ruins are very close to a 'Burgschenke' (castle tavern) for refreshments. The Hochburg Ruins (Emmendingen) also feature a small kiosk for refreshments, even on weekends.
The castles and ruins around Denzlingen can be visited year-round. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures for hiking and exploring, with beautiful foliage. Summer allows for longer days and outdoor events, while winter can provide a unique, serene atmosphere, especially if there's snow, though some amenities might have reduced hours.
Many outdoor trails in the region are dog-friendly, but specific rules for each castle ruin or nature reserve can vary. It's generally advisable to keep dogs on a leash, especially in historical sites or areas with wildlife. Check local signage at each specific ruin for detailed regulations.
Most major castle ruins like Kastelburg Castle Ruins (near Waldkirch), Hochburg Ruins (Emmendingen), and Landeck Castle Ruins are typically accessible by car, often with parking available nearby, followed by a walk. Public transport options usually involve reaching a nearby town by train or bus, then connecting to the sites, sometimes requiring a longer walk. For example, the St. Severin Chapel Ruin is located on Mauracher Berg, accessible from Denzlingen.
The Zähringen Castle Tower is a beautifully restored ruin offering a magnificent view of Freiburg and the Feldberg. Informative panels provide historical context, and the key to access the tower can often be borrowed from the inn located below the castle.
At the Kastelburg Castle Ruins, you can expect a well-kept ruin with an information board at the entrance detailing its interesting history. It offers very nice views of Waldkirch and the surrounding area. The 'Kastelrundweg' (castle circular trail) is highly recommended for a varied exploration of the site and its surroundings.


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