Blumenfeld Castle

Blumenfeld Castle is a castle in Blumenfeld near Tengen in the Konstanz district. Originally, a castle of the Knights of Blumegg stood in its place, before the basic features of the current complex were built at the beginning of the 16th century. Since the 19th century, social institutions have been housed in parts of the building - currently a retirement home.

The complex was located on a limestone slab that the Biber river had eroded from the surrounding area as an Umlaufberg (meander core) with a height difference of 40 meters. The first castle complex was built in the 11th century and was first mentioned in 1362. The castle was expanded by the Lords of Klingenberg in the 14th century. In 1499, the castle was destroyed by Swiss troops in the Swabian War. The town of Blumenfeld passed to the Teutonic Order Commandery of Mainau in 1511, which had the current complex built as the official residence for the Mainau Obervogt (chief bailiff). In 1515, the south wing was added, built on the foundations of the old palas of the castle. Between 1578 and 1582, another wing was added to the north wall. After the castle was in poor condition in the 18th century, it was renovated from 1759 to 1762. Windows and ovens were renewed during this time. Further renovations took place in 1815. Between 1774 and 1876, the castle stood empty and fell into disrepair. In 1975, the local population saved the castle with 5,000 hours of work. The single-story buildings from the 19th century were demolished in 1980 and the retirement home wing was rebuilt. The style of the Middle Ages was imitated, and two new stair towers were added. Between 1980 and 1998, the castle section was renovated, with a focus on roofs and interiors.