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Majestically and proud: The fortress ruin Hohentwiel
image author: Zur Verfügung gestellt von Kultur & Tourismus Singen GmbH
Majestically it rises into the sky and one senses the power and influence that once emanated from the kings of the Hegau volcanoes. The Hohentwiel and its fortress....
It was never defeated in its long history. Only when faced with Napoleon's legions the last fortress commandant handed Hohentwiel without struggle over - and had to witness how one of Germany's biggest fortresses (9,92ha) was merciless abraded.
Up to 1000 people lived then inside the fortress walls. Today the annual Hohentwiel-Festivals fill the old castle with new life. Even Bryan Adams made an appearance between the old walls.
Hohentwiel's history reaches far back. The 682m high volcano got its present form during the Ice Age nine millions years ago.
The castle emerged much later: In the year 914 Swabian noblemen founded the fortress. Already one year later it experienced its first baptism of fire. But King Konrad I. found it a hart nut to crack.
During the 10th century duke Burkhard III expanded Hohentwiel into an important power centre. Only in the 16th century did duke Ulrich turn it into a state fortress. The remnants of Hohentwiel are stemming from this time.
image author: © Uwe Messner - Fotolia.com
Many utilisations and traces of everyday life can still be found today. The fortress had its own graveyard and a jurisdiction with a 'gallows', which one passes on the right hand side during the ascent of the fortress ruin.
The fortress also housed princely living quarters as well as garrison flats, a pub, a pharmacy, a blacksmith, a cooper's workshop, fountain facilities, a church, for a time a monastery and a well filled arms arsenal.
image author: ©Jacek Zmudzki /PIXELIO.de
How well it was equipped showed during the Thirty-Year War (1618-1648). The fortress was besieged five times; five times the commandant major Konrad Widerholt averted with his men all attacks
In the year 1650 the heroic commandant handed the fortress over to his sovereign Eberhard III. undefeated.
After that, Hohentwiel experienced a long time of peace until Napoleon in the 2nd Coalition War gave the command to abrade the fortress. Beginning of 1801 after 900 years the proud fortress had became a ruin.
The Hohentwiel and its surrounding area are today subject of nature protection. At the former old coach house of the domain - from there the fortress acquired its provisions like wood, grains and hay - is today a information centre where video presentations about the fortress ruin take place.
Cars have to be parked here. It takes 10 minutes by foot over a cobblestone path to reach the fortress ruin. Parking facilities are available.
Guided tours can be arranged via the tourist office. Duration of guided tours ca. 2 hours.
More info about Germany's biggest fortress ruin can be found here.
By the way: The view from the Hohentwiel more than compensate for the steep ascent. 688 metres above the sea level lays the Hohentwiel, it rises 260 metres above Singen. On clear days the view reaches to the Bodensee.
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Foto:
Uwe Messner - Fotolia.com; ©Jacek Zmudzki /PIXELIO.de /city-map Region Konstanz
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