Rechberg Castle Ruin

Together with the castles of Hohenstaufen and Stuifen, the Rechberg is one of the three "Kaiserberge" – the "Emperor Mountains" – in what was once Staufer territory. The castle ruin is considered one of the finest in Swabia. Built in 1194 as the seat of the Lords of Rechberg, the castle defied the passage of centuries and even the Peasants' War unscathed, and it wasn't until 6th January 1865 that it was destroyed after being struck by lightning.

Nevertheless, the ruin in its present state still conveys a vivid impression of a typical Staufer castle with its gateway, battlements and keep. Above the castle ruin, at a height of 707 metres, there's the Baroque pilgrimage church "zur Schönen Maria", dedicated to the Virgin Mary.

Burgrunie Rechberg is open to visitors with a little exhibition, and a restaurant & café, called 'Burgschänke'. It provides a spectacular view on the Swabian Forest towards the north and on the Swabian Jura towards the south. If you are lucky with the weather, you may also see the Alps in Austria and Switzerland.

Opening hours

Tuesday - Sunday:
10:00 am - 06:00 pm