Fürstenberg Castle

A first castle complex likely emerged on the Fürstenberg in the 12th century, possibly built by ministeriales of the Zähringen dukes. In 1175, the castle transferred from the Counts of Zollern to the Zähringen family. Following the death of the last Zähringen Duke, Berthold V., in 1218, the related Counts of Urach took over the dominion. Around 1250, Heinrich von Urach moved his residence to Fürstenberg and subsequently named himself Count Heinrich von Fürstenberg. He expanded the castle and the associated settlement, which received city rights in 1278. At the beginning of the 16th century, the castle underwent renovations and its fortifications were modernized.