The stronghold was founded in the 11th century - probably by Dietrich von Hachberg - and is the second largest castle complex in Baden after Heidelberg Castle. On the edge of the Upper Rhine Valley near Emmendingen and surrounded by vine-covered slopes, the Hochburg rises above a strategically important hill. Its exposed location offers visitors a spectacular view down into the picturesque valleys and up to the highest peaks of the Black Forest.
However, it is not only the view that makes the stronghold so special, but above all the insights into the history of castle and fortress construction. Here in Emmendingen, the architectural changes to large fortified buildings from the 12th to the 17th century can be seen in exemplary fashion. The development of defence architecture over a period of around 500 years can be experienced here.
From the 13th century, the Margraves of Baden and the Hachberg collateral line owned and used the castle. From 1553, the castle was greatly extended under Charles II - the medieval aristocratic castle was converted into a Renaissance-style palace and fortress. The castle's heyday began in the 17th century, when Margrave Georg Friedrich von Baden had it extended into a fortress with seven star-shaped bastions in response to the military threats to the margraviate. In the course of the numerous wars that followed, the stronghold was repeatedly conquered and destroyed. The enormous size of the complex and the existing buildings still bear impressive witness to its former importance.
In 1971, the Association for the Preservation of the Hochburg Ruins was founded, which has been working together with the state of Baden-Württemberg to preserve the ruins ever since.
The association has set up a museum on the Hochburg, which is open on Sundays from 1.00 - 5.00 pm during the summer months.
In addition, on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays between April and November, a snack hut is open on the Hochburg from 12.00 to 17.00, offering refreshments.
