Hornstein Castle (Ruin)

Hornstein Castle is a ruin near the Bingen district of Hornstein in the Sigmaringen district (Baden-Württemberg). It was first mentioned in 1244. The former hilltop castle was located on a spur-like rocky ridge above the Lauchert river.

The castle was an imperial knightly possession, its first documented mention dates back to 1244. Before that, the Lords of Hornstein, who were mentioned as early as the 11th century, probably resided in a castle in the Hornstein area.

As the ancestral seat of the noble family of Hornstein of the same name, the castle underwent several construction phases until it was converted into a stately Baroque palace around 1700. In 1787, the Hornsteins sold their property to the Princes of Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen.

In 1818, the Prince of Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen decreed that a Hohenzollern "Correctional and Reformatory Institution" should be established in the castle. After the conversion, the institution began operations on December 14, 1818. The institutional regulations also stipulated that the insane were to be admitted. In 1850, the Hohenzollern principalities were annexed to Prussia. The Prussian state continued to operate the institution, and in 1859 it became a penal and correctional institution for men. The female inmates were transferred to Habsthal at that time. In 1869, the institution was closed.

In 1873, the complex was sold for demolition, the buildings were torn down and the walls were left to decay. Only the castle chapel, a baroque jewel where the Christian liturgical year is celebrated, was preserved. From 1947 to 1962, the ruin was used as an open-air stage.

Since 1988, the Förderverein Ruine Hornstein e.V. (Friends of Hornstein Ruin Association) has been looking after the monument. It is also thanks to this association that the remains were structurally secured. Until 1997, the old walls were carefully renovated and restored, after which the cultural aspect came to the fore. In 2003, the tower room above the chapel was made publicly accessible. It can be reached via a spiral staircase. With the support of LEADER, workshops as well as office, sanitary and storage rooms were created.

Today, Hornstein Castle Ruin has developed into a tourist attraction through countless events organized by the Förderverein in recent years. Experience-oriented offers for children are an integral part of the Förderverein's annual program. Furthermore, a wide variety of events take place at the ruin, including the Siege, the largest medieval spectacle in the district with knights, swordsmen, dancers, jugglers, fire-eaters and market stalls. Below the ruin in the Fäulesloch, a historically accurate tent city is set up for this purpose, populated by re-enacting Alamanni, Normans, nobles, Scots and Vikings.