Hohenurach Castle Ruins Bad Urach
Explore the ancient 11th-century Hohenurach Castle Ruins, offering breathtaking views and a challenging hike through nature.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best light for photos
Hohenurach Castle Ruins Bad Urach
Best Time
Best light for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the ancient 11th-century Hohenurach Castle Ruins, offering breathtaking views and a challenging hike through nature.
"Amazing views and awesome historic ruins to explore."
👟 Wear Sturdy Hiking Shoes
The path to the castle is steep and can be slippery. Good footwear is essential for a safe and enjoyable climb.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
The hike can be strenuous, especially on warm days. Stay hydrated throughout your visit.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Views
Top of the castle ruins
Breathtaking vistas of the surrounding Swabian Jura landscape. A photographer's dream!
Historic Castle Ruins
The entire castle site
Explore the remnants of an 11th-century stronghold, with ancient walls and former chambers.
Urach Waterfalls
Forest below the castle
A beautiful natural attraction, often visited in conjunction with the castle ruins.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Steep Ascent, Rewarding Views
Explore Freely, But Safely
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Sturdy Hiking Shoes
The path to the castle is steep and can be slippery. Good footwear is essential for a safe and enjoyable climb.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
The hike can be strenuous, especially on warm days. Stay hydrated throughout your visit.
📸 Perfect for Photography
The ruins and views offer incredible photo opportunities, especially at sunrise or sunset.
⏳ Allow Ample Time
Factor in time for the hike up, exploring the ruins, and enjoying the views.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Sturdy Hiking Shoes
The path to the castle is steep and can be slippery. Good footwear is essential for a safe and enjoyable climb.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
The hike can be strenuous, especially on warm days. Stay hydrated throughout your visit.
📸 Perfect for Photography
The ruins and views offer incredible photo opportunities, especially at sunrise or sunset.
⏳ Allow Ample Time
Factor in time for the hike up, exploring the ruins, and enjoying the views.
⚠️ Be Cautious
Some areas of the ruins can be dangerous. Stay on marked paths and be aware of your surroundings.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the breathtaking views and the historical intrigue of the Hohenurach Castle Ruins, calling it a rewarding adventure. The hike is noted as steep but worth the effort, with the ruins offering great photo opportunities. Some mention minor drawbacks like scaffolding, but the overall experience is highly positive.
"It was great adventure for whole family. You can visit ruins freely, but you need to be focused - there are dangerous places. Amazing view! Please prepare for intensive walking up to reach castle. It's very sharp."
Arek Mat
"Some effort required but worth it for the views. Usually make this the second stop after hiking to the top of the waterfall. From there it is a mostly flat/slight downhill before a much steeper uphill to the destination. The ruins are a perfect mix of stone and green growth which is slowly overtaking parts of the remaining structure, it makes for great photos of the ruins themselves and the views beyond. There are some areas of the structure where you can climb up to the walls or down into cellars or possibly former guard quarters. Been multiple times with guests and while they may grumble at the last few hundred meters up they are all happy they trekked up for the reward at the top."
Christopher C.
"Please beware of the following,
The way to castle is really steep so be prepared accordingly.
The early morning or sun set timings are best to visit to capture both dark and sunny views.
This is must visit place for photography enthusiasts.
The only thing I didn’t like was the scaffolding left by the construction company, even though the work seems stopped since long."
Jameel Ahmed Korai
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The castle ruins are located near Bad Urach. You can drive to the parking area near the Urach Waterfalls and then begin your hike. Public transport options to Bad Urach are also available, followed by a walk or bus to the waterfall area.
Yes, there is parking available at the base of the Urach Waterfalls, which is a common starting point for the hike to the castle ruins.
Yes, you can hike from Bad Urach town, but it's a longer route. Most visitors start from the Urach Waterfalls parking area for a more direct ascent.
You can take a bus to Bad Urach and then potentially another local bus or walk towards the Urach Waterfalls, which is the trailhead for the castle.
Many visitors combine the hike to the castle with a visit to the Urach Waterfalls. The trails through the woods offer a beautiful approach.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to the Hohenurach Castle Ruins is free. You can explore the historic site without purchasing a ticket.
The ruins are generally accessible at all times as it's an open-air historical site. However, it's best to visit during daylight hours for safety and visibility.
There is no admission fee for the Hohenurach Castle Ruins. It's a free historical site to explore.
While technically accessible, visiting at night is not recommended due to safety concerns and lack of lighting. Daylight hours are best for exploration.
The main restriction is to be mindful of safety due to the steep terrain and historical structures. Respect the site and do not damage any parts of the ruins.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The hike from the Urach Waterfalls parking area typically takes about 30-60 minutes, depending on your fitness level and how often you stop.
The hike is considered steep and can be challenging, especially the final ascent. Sturdy footwear is highly recommended.
You can explore the remnants of an 11th-century castle, including walls, former chambers, and enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. 
There are no facilities like restrooms or cafes directly at the ruins. It's advisable to use facilities at the Urach Waterfalls area before starting your hike.
It can be suitable for families with older children who are capable of handling a steep hike. Younger children may require more assistance and supervision due to the terrain.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning or late afternoon/sunset offer the best light for photography, creating dramatic shadows and golden hues.
You can capture stunning landscape shots, architectural details of the ruins, and dramatic shots of the castle against the sky.
The top of the castle walls and various elevated points within the ruins offer excellent vantage points for panoramic photography.
Spring and autumn offer beautiful foliage and pleasant weather for photography. Winter can also provide dramatic, frosty landscapes.
Drone regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local regulations and obtain any necessary permits before flying a drone in the area.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While exploring the ruins, emphasize safety. Point out the dangerous areas and keep a close eye on children. The historical aspect can be engaging for kids, sparking their imagination about knights and castles. Consider making it a combined trip with the Urach Waterfalls, which can be a fun distraction for younger ones.
🚶♀️ Hikers and Nature Lovers
The combination of a good hike and a historical destination makes it a popular choice for outdoor enthusiasts. Nature lovers will appreciate the surrounding landscape of the Swabian Jura. The area around the Urach Waterfalls also provides opportunities for further exploration and enjoying the natural beauty. Consider visiting during spring or autumn for the most pleasant hiking conditions and vibrant scenery.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Don't forget to also explore the nearby Urach Waterfalls for a different photographic subject. The combination of historical ruins and natural beauty offers a diverse portfolio for any photographer.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Hike to Hohenurach Castle Ruins
Many travelers suggest taking your time and enjoying the surrounding forest. Some Reddit users mention cutting through smaller paths in the woods for a slightly different, though still steep, approach. The effort is consistently described as rewarding, with the panoramic views from the summit serving as the ultimate prize.
Consider the weather when planning your hike. While beautiful year-round, spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures for trekking. In winter, the landscape can be stunning with frost, but the trails might be more challenging. Always check the weather forecast before you go and be prepared for changing conditions.
Exploring the Historic Ruins
The ruins are a fascinating blend of stone structures and encroaching nature, with greenery slowly reclaiming parts of the ancient stonework. This creates a unique and atmospheric setting, perfect for photography.
+1 Some areas allow you to climb onto the walls or descend into what were once cellars or guard quarters, offering a more immersive exploration. However, visitors are strongly advised to exercise caution, as some sections can be dangerous. While the ruins themselves are the main attraction, the historical significance is palpable. The castle played a role in regional history, and its commanding position speaks to its strategic importance in medieval times. It's a place where history meets nature, offering both a physical challenge and a journey through time.
Photography Opportunities
+1 The best times to capture these scenes are during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset, when the light casts a warm glow and creates dramatic shadows, enhancing the mood of the ruins. From the top of the castle, you can capture breathtaking panoramic views of the Swabian Jura. Look for unique angles that highlight the scale of the ruins against the rolling hills and forests. The textures of the weathered stone and the vibrant green moss add depth and character to your shots.
+1Many visitors also combine their visit with the nearby Urach Waterfalls, which offer their own photographic appeal. The contrast between the natural beauty of the waterfalls and the historical grandeur of the castle ruins makes for a diverse and rewarding photography excursion.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit