Achalm

The Achalm mountain (707 m) is one of Reutlingen's main landmarks, along with St. Mary's Church (Marienkirche) and the Tübinger Tor gateway. Of the original castle, unfortunately only a few ruined walls have survived, as well as the present observation tower, which was built around 1838 on the foundations of the former keep. Its history goes back to the 11th century, when Count Egino built the first castle on the Achalm, making it one of the earliest hill fortresses. It's well worth taking a walk on the Achalm, in particular because of the magnificent views over Reutlingen, Eningen and the surrounding countryside, as far as Schönbuch near Tübingen, and in the other direction to the Erms Valley.