Top 20 Castles around Elzach
Best castles around Elzach are found in the surrounding Black Forest region, offering a blend of historical sites and natural landscapes. This area is characterized by its rolling hills and valleys, where remnants of medieval fortifications stand. These sites provide historical context and offer viewpoints over the scenic environment. The region's history is preserved in these structures, making it a destination for exploring the past.
Best castles around Elzach
- The most popular castles is Kastelburg Castle Ruins, a hill castle ruin above Waldkirch. It offers views of Waldkirch and its surroundings, with an information board detailing its history.
- Another must-see spot is Husen Castle, a mountain castle ruin situated directly above Hausach. It is freely accessible and hosts "BURGERLEBEN" spectacles on the first Sunday of May to October, allowing tower access.
- Visitors also love Hochburg Ruins (Emmendingen), a large, largely accessible castle complex. Originally mentioned in the 12th century, it was rebuilt into a fortress before its final destruction in 1689, now serving as a significant historical ruin.
- Elzach is known for its diverse historical sites, including castle ruins and mountain castles. The region offers a variety of castles to see and explore, from well-preserved complexes to ancient ruins.
- The castles around Elzach are appreciated by the komoot community. With over 1000 upvotes and more than 1200 photos, the community actively shares experiences from these historical locations.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
Kastelburg Castle Ruins
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Husen Castle
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Noteworthy are the "BURGERLEBEN" spectacles, which take place every first Sunday from May to October. Then the tower is accessible.
Interesting for hikers is probably also the small resting place with a castle well below the ruins.
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Hochburg Ruins (Emmendingen)
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Hornberg Castle and its Tower
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In “The Robbers” by Friedrich Schiller, for example, you will find this saying. It is used when an event is announced with great fanfare, but then remains inconclusive. Where does this phrase come from? You can find out in Hornberg. Today there is a three-star hotel with a restaurant in the castle.
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Hornberg town centre, viaduct and castle ruins
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From here you also have a nice view of the railway viaduct. It is 150 meters long, 24 meters high and has seven arches. It was built in 1924/25 and is the only one of its kind for the Black Forest Railway.
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Beautiful mountain with great views
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As early as Roman times, an important long-distance trade route from Strasbourg to Constance ran through the area of the town, a route that continued to be used under Frankish rule. Around 1084, Henry IV granted the Lordship of Hornberg as a fief to Adalbert von Ellerbach, who henceforth called himself von Hornberg. Around 1200, the heirs divided the territory, and the southern part became the Lordship of Triberg. The castle, below which the later town of Hornberg developed, was built at this time. The town was sold into the hands of the Württembergers, for whom this area represented an important base on the way to their Alsatian possessions and the County of Montbéliard. The sale began in 1423 and was completed about two decades later. In the mid-15th century, the town became the seat of a high bailiwick. In the border treaty between the Kingdom of Württemberg and the Grand Duchy of Baden,[3] concluded in Paris on October 2, 1810, several districts of the Hornberg administrative district, including Hornberg itself, the town of Schiltach, and the municipalities of Gutach and Kirnbach, were ceded to the Grand Duchy of Baden. Hornberg remained the seat of a district office even after this treaty. Source: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hornberg
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The term Hornberg Castle (also known as Neu-Hornberg Castle) describes the castle and palace buildings that arose on the Schlossberg hill in the town of Hornberg from around 1200 onwards. Today, only the keep, the powder tower, and remnants of the walls remain. The castle is located in the Ortenau district of Baden-Württemberg. The ruins lie approximately 100 meters above the old town of Hornberg at an elevation of 455 meters on a flat promontory between the Gutach and Offenbach valleys. The site extends approximately 150 meters from southeast to northwest. The castle was protected on three sides by steep rock faces, offering excellent views and thus control over the valleys of the Gutach, Reichenbach/Schwanenbach, and Offenbach rivers. Source: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schloss_Hornberg_(Schwarzwald)
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Beautiful castle ruins above Hausach
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From the castle ruins you have a great view of the old town of Hausach with its half-timbered houses.
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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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Visiting the castle when in Hornberg is an absolute must. The view from the tower is phenomenal. Hornberg with the train station and the viaduct lies at your feet like on a railway system.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical significance do the castles around Elzach hold?
The castles in the Elzach region are rich in history. For example, Kastelburg Castle Ruins offers insights into its past via information boards. Husen Castle was built around 1220 to protect silver mines. Hochburg Ruins (Emmendingen), first mentioned in the 12th century, was once a fortress before its destruction in 1689. Hornberg Castle dates back to around 1100 and is famous for a German idiom.
Are there family-friendly castles to visit near Elzach?
Yes, several castles offer family-friendly experiences. Hochburg Ruins (Emmendingen) is a large, largely accessible complex that is explicitly marked as family-friendly and often hosts events. Husen Castle hosts "BURGERLEBEN" spectacles every first Sunday from May to October, which include tower access and knight fights, making it engaging for children. Hornberg Castle also features a great playground.
Can I combine a castle visit with hiking or other outdoor activities?
Absolutely. The castles around Elzach are often situated in scenic areas perfect for outdoor activities. For instance, the Kastelburg Castle Ruins are part of the recommended Kastelrundweg. Husen Castle is a mountain castle ruin that is interesting for hikers and has a small resting place. You can find various running trails, cycling routes, and gravel biking routes in the region that pass by or lead to these historical sites.
When is the best time of year to visit the castles around Elzach?
The period from May to October is particularly good for visiting, as the weather is generally pleasant for exploring ruins and hiking. During this time, Husen Castle offers its special "BURGERLEBEN" spectacles every first Sunday, including tower access. The Black Forest region, where these castles are located, is beautiful in spring and autumn with vibrant foliage, and summer offers warm days for extended exploration.
Are dogs allowed at the castle ruins near Elzach?
Generally, castle ruins in the Black Forest region are dog-friendly, especially the outdoor areas and hiking trails leading to them. For example, the trails around Husen Castle and Kastelburg Castle Ruins are popular with dog owners. It's always advisable to keep dogs on a leash and check for specific rules at each site, especially if there are events or indoor areas.
Where can I find impressive viewpoints at these castles?
Many of the castles offer excellent viewpoints. Kastelburg Castle Ruins provides a very nice view of Waldkirch and its surrounding area. From Hornberg Castle and its Tower, the view from the tower is described as phenomenal, overlooking Hornberg town. Husen Castle, situated directly above Hausach, also offers great perspectives of the valley.
What are the parking options for visiting castles around Elzach?
Parking availability varies by castle. For Hochburg Ruins (Emmendingen), there is typically parking available nearby due to its large complex and regular events. For Hornberg Castle, parking is usually accessible, especially for hotel guests or visitors to the restaurant. For ruins like Kastelburg and Husen Castle, parking might be found at the base of the hill or in nearby towns, requiring a short hike up.
Is there public transport available to reach the castles?
While Elzach itself has public transport connections, reaching the specific castle ruins often requires a combination of public transport to a nearby town and then a walk or hike. For example, you can reach Hausach by train to visit Husen Castle, or Waldkirch for Kastelburg Castle Ruins. Checking local bus schedules from these towns is recommended for closer access points.
What is the story behind Hornberg Castle's famous saying?
Hornberg Castle is famous for the German idiom "Das geht aus wie das Hornberger Schießen" ("It ends like the Hornberg shooting"). This saying refers to an event announced with great fanfare that ultimately proves inconclusive. Visitors to the castle can discover the origin of this phrase, which is even mentioned in Friedrich Schiller's "The Robbers".
Is Burg Eltz located near Elzach?
No, Burg Eltz (Eltz Castle) is not located near Elzach. While it is a renowned medieval "fairytale castle" in Germany, it is situated in the Eifel region, between Koblenz and Trier, which is a significant distance from Elzach. The castles around Elzach are primarily in the Black Forest region.
Are there places to eat or stay near the castles?
Yes, you'll find options for refreshments and accommodation. Hornberg Castle itself houses a three-star hotel with a restaurant. The nearby town of Hornberg, mentioned in Hornberg town centre, viaduct and castle ruins, has cafes and tourist information. Hochburg Ruins (Emmendingen) sometimes has a small kiosk for refreshments. Additionally, the towns surrounding Elzach and the castles offer various cafes, pubs, restaurants, and hotels.
What makes Kastelburg Castle Ruins a popular choice for visitors?
Kastelburg Castle Ruins is popular for its very nice view of Waldkirch and the surrounding area. Visitors appreciate its well-kept condition and the interesting historical information provided at the entrance. It's also a great starting point for the Kastelrundweg, a varied hiking trail.
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