Wildenstein Castle

The origins of Wildenstein Castle date back to the 13th century, when it was built as a successor to a chain of smaller rock castles. After 1263, it came into the possession of Anselm von Justingen, whose family later lost prominence. In 1319, the castle passed to Rudolf von Ramsberg. Around 1390, Burkhard von Lichtenstein and Wilhelm Schenck von Stauffenberg became co-owners, with the latter forced to cede the castle to the later King Ruprecht in 1395 as ransom. From 1397/98, Johannes the Elder von Zimmern gradually acquired the castle, which completely passed into his family's possession in 1462. Under Werner the Younger, the castle was extensively expanded from 1441. During the Werdenberg Feud, the castle was sold to Count Andreas von Sonnenberg in 1491, but later reacquired by Gottfried von Zimmern. Gottfried Werner von Zimmern, Johannes Werner's younger brother, took sole possession of the castle in 1511 and began converting it into a modern fortress from 1514. The castle repeatedly served as a refuge for the Zimmern family and allied noble families, for example during plague epidemics, the Peasants' War in 1525, and the Princes' War in 1552.

Wildenstein Castle is located in the municipality of Leibertingen in the Sigmaringen district of Baden-Württemberg, Germany. It stands at an elevation of approximately 798 m above sea level.

Today, Wildenstein Castle houses a youth hostel and is accessible to visitors. Its exterior still largely retains its 1554 appearance.

• Ruine Unterwildenstein (ruin), approx. 0.1 km away
• Ruine Lengenfeld (ruin), approx. 1.7 km away
• Schloss Werenwag (castle), approx. 2.4 km away
• Erzabtei Beuron (sacred building), approx. 2.5 km away