Majestically and proud: The fortress ruin Hohentwiel

Majestically it rises into the sky and one senses the power and influence that once emanated from the kings of the Hegau volcanoes. The Hohentwiel and its fortress....

It was never defeated in its long history. Only when faced with Napoleon's legions the last fortress commandant handed Hohentwiel without struggle over - and had to witness how one of Germany's biggest fortresses (9,92ha) was merciless abraded. 

Up to 1000 people lived then inside the fortress walls. Today the annual Hohentwiel-Festivals fill the old castle with new life. Even Bryan Adams made an appearance between the old walls.


How well it was equipped showed during the Thirty-Year War (1618-1648). The fortress was besieged five times; five times the commandant major Konrad Widerholt averted with his men all attacks

In the year 1650 the heroic commandant handed the fortress over to his sovereign Eberhard III. undefeated.

After that, Hohentwiel experienced a long time of peace until Napoleon in the 2nd Coalition War gave the command to abrade the fortress. Beginning of 1801 after 900 years the proud fortress had became a ruin.