Alttrauchburg Castle (Ruin)

The origins of Alttrauchburg date back to a predecessor complex of the Counts of Veringen and Nellenburg, which was first mentioned in documents in 1041, but at a different location. The current castle site was probably only settled in the 13th century. Around 1150, the Lords of Rettenberg took over the rule and from then on called themselves “von Trauchburg”. Berthold von Trauchburg moved the castle to its current location at the beginning of the 13th century and built a fortified house or a residential tower there. In 1258, the fief passed to the Truchsesses of Waldburg, who acquired the lordship in 1306. They expanded the tower-like core building and added a spacious outer bailey with a strong square tower to the south. During the Peasants' War in 1525, the castle was plundered and damaged, and in 1546 it was occupied by troops of the Schmalkaldic League. In the 16th century, the complex was reinforced with a zwinger system with artillery rondelles, and the main castle received two stair towers.