Hello everyone. We set out for the weekend to see the historic Hochburg Castle located between the city of Emmendingen and the village of Sexau in the Baden region. Right next to where we parked our car, cows were grazing. The surroundings had a peaceful and quiet village life and mist was slowly descending over the mountains. Our walk started from here.
We passed by some geese. They were clearly raised for the Christmas table. As sad as it is, they will be on the table at Christmas. They will be roasted in a tray filled with apples. For now they are wandering among the apple trees. They are almost the size of sheep. The photos don't quite capture their size. There's one leader goose. The other geese follow it. These are magnificent, very impressive geese. Along the path to the castle, we encountered more geese like this. They aren’t afraid of people at all.
We approached the castle. We began walking among the ruins of its walls. This castle was quite large, from a distance it looked like it had three floors. There is a wide area around it, with fruit trees, beehives and the honey produced here is delicious. Beekeeping training is also offered. What a beautiful place. The green, vibrant grass, the mist hanging over us, everything was perfect.
We reached the walls of the castle. Made of stone and bound with mortar, these walls are still intact. Incredible craftsmanship. A giant tree nearby – probably a chestnut is part of this peaceful nature.
Finally we reached the castle gates. There are numbers on them that look as though they were written or carved in an ancient language. The gates show traces where hinges used to be. How would you feel if you were a person living at that time when these gates opened? Or imagine yourself as a strong noble on horseback, approaching the large gates. These gates probably would have opened from many kilometers away. Please come on in, they might say... And passersby would think, Well let’s see what kind of place this is. The warriors who greeted us were just as we imagined. Old castles are really impressive.
There are also some ancient inscriptions and numbers like 670. Most castles were built on natural rock formations and here we see that as well. The walls are expertly constructed on top of the natural rocks. The stones are rounded, not angular. It seems that people made efforts not only for functionality but also for aesthetics.
The windows in the castle walls are very interesting. They are not aligned. The path resembles an old suspension bridge. Such a design must have been made for defense purposes. The thickness of the walls is really impressive, reaching up to 2-3 meters. We got closer to the main gates. Hochburg Castle is located near Emmendingen. There’s a narrow passage here. These kinds of passages were made to enhance the castle’s defense. Since enemies couldn’t pass through together, they would have to advance one by one. In some castles these passages were even used as a measure to show that only those with a fit body could be warriors. An interesting design.
On the other side of the passage is a stone arch. There is again a historical inscription on it. As we proceeded different defense systems within the castle stood out. We passed into the inner courtyard, where there used to be stables, animals and perhaps even shelters for soldiers.
We are getting information about the castle’s history from the information board. The castle also known as Castle Hachberg, has its first written record dating back to 1127 and its founder is listed as Dietrich von Emmendingen. As we walk through the streets of the castle, we see stone arches and niches everywhere. The thick stone walls are still impressive with their sturdiness. We descended some stairs and discovered a tunnel. Here, we found a stone road that was once made for horses.
While the castle retains some of its old grandeur, it also fascinates with the fact that it has survived for so many years. We examine every detail with admiration. It feels like a journey into the past. Thankfully we have the right shoes for these kinds of stone paths today. The road is completely paved with large stones and you can see these stone paths everywhere. We came across a sign that said Inner gates. There is a passage here, probably a position where archers could observe those coming from outside. There was also once a suspension bridge here.
Within the castle, there is a place resembling a main street, with a staircase to the right and a narrow passage extending to the left. In the past these passages were quite narrow and low. I think as I mentioned earlier, they were made so that people would pass through in single file. This area also serves as a terrace. It’s ideal for enjoying the view. There were also positions for weapons like cannons.
Today there were many tourists here, walking with children. We got closer to the high walls. They are really tall, perhaps the height of the third or fourth floor of a modern building. There are small niches carved into the walls. These were probably observation rooms. The weather was foggy, so we couldn't see far, but it was wonderful to see the villages and fields below.
Once this area was completely covered and people could walk on top. There were rooms and windows here. People could look out of these windows and greet others: Good morning world. Good morning sun.
We saw a round tower with a spiral staircase leading up. The stone road at the bottom extends all the way up here. The arches at the top still look intact. There is a window niche here, maybe even a balcony. It would be the perfect spot to enjoy a morning coffee and the view.
We returned to the main street. There is a round tower around this long stone road. There is another staircase here. I think this place was made for the nobility in the past. They would get off their carriages and climb these wide and high stairs to enter the castle. People in those days were shorter, but these steps seem to have been made for giants.
And we saw the remnants of a balcony. Knights probably sang serenades to their ladies here. We slowly made our way up. When we reached the top, the view was breathtaking: the villages, roads and passing carriages below. It’s amazing to imagine what life was like here in the past. Seeing, touching and feeling the traces of history is fascinating.
When we went up we reached some windows. Actually what we saw might not be windows, but door openings. It seems like there was another entrance downstairs. It’s like an elevator, but of course, the pedestrian elevator of old times. There is an opening here, probably a place where a door once was. Maybe people used to come up through here. Of course, we can only guess. We are bringing the past to life with our imagination. Maybe one of the things we think of is actually reflecting the truth.
There is a museum here. This is the museum of the castle. Unfortunately it's currently closed. It is open from April to October, on Sundays and public holidays, from 13:00 to 17:00. Unfortunately, we've arrived two months late and missed October. Since we’re here, you must see this huge stone. It has a coat of arms carved into it. Most likely this is the castle’s coat of arms. The heart-shaped stones between the stones on the ground are really eye-catching. However, walking here is not easy. one could easily twist their ankle.
We reached the main square. It’s likely that nobles and their spouses used to walk here, enjoying the weather and the view. We had heard that there was a kitchen here. It’s said that the large stone slab was used as a stove and kitchen. Meals were cooked on it and then immediately taken to the building next to the kitchen. Unfortunately, nothing is permanent. But this castle is in quite good condition.
We saw a hall. It must have been a large meeting or dance hall. There were places for torches on the walls. In the center, there was a fireplace. The chimney pipe ran up the entire wall. This way, the entire wall would heat up and the other floors could benefit from this heat. It was really a clever system.
The windows allowed both light to enter and a view of the outdoors. Perhaps artists used to paint here. On the other side, there is a small window. Was this a stage? Maybe puppet shows for children were performed here. Or musical plays for the nobles entertainment.
We arrived at another section. This was a large room with a high ceiling. The windows were enormous. It’s really interesting to imagine what went on here. Also, in the center of the room, there is a deep pit resembling a well. One can't help but wonder what it was for. Perhaps a dungeon or some sort of secret room.
Later we found a passage leading underground. A metal spiral staircase took us down. It was a little eerie, but also quite exciting. The walls were made of stone. We descended to the lower level. It seems there are more rooms and more secrets here. Perhaps this passage was once part of the castle's defense system.
Walking around this castle and its surroundings feels like a time travel. We can smell the history and also travel to the past with our imagination. Between the walls, there is a spiral staircase and a path that goes unnoticed from the outside. Maybe this passage was part of the castle's defense system or an escape route. We then looked at the high walls around the castle. These walls are covered with blackberry bushes and have merged impressively with nature.
In the lower sections there are more mysterious entrances and passages. However, some have been closed or locked. Perhaps these passages were closed for the safety of visitors. Even the echoes inside give a feeling as if they belong to another world. When walking through such places, you feel as if you've lost yourself in time.
Descending the spiral stairs and walking through the old passages increases the sense of adventure. Even if you don’t believe in ghosts, the silence here and the energy of the old walls give you a different sense of peace and mystery. The castle has many sections and details inside.
This castle definitely has unique features and surprises. For example, the stove in the kitchen sets this castle apart from others. In the castle kitchen, meals were prepared on a large stone slab. And a deep underground passage was discovered. Walking through this passage is really an adventure. Those stone steps and narrow corridors make you feel like you’re right in the middle of history. Another striking feature of the castle is the wide stone stairs. These were specifically designed during the Middle ages to allow women in large dresses to move comfortably. Gracefully climbing the stairs and showing oneself off seems to have been a ritual. We laughed a lot while imagining this scene.
We came across sculptures made by an artist out of wood. These sculptures reflect the harshness and drama of ancient times. One sculpture depicted a rope, an axe and a gallows. The artist's imagination brought a completely different interpretation to this old castle.
Finally we left the castle. The long walk we took, accompanied by the sunset, was quite enjoyable. This place, steeped in history at every corner, certainly deserves to be visited at least once. I am sure that everyone who visits the castle will find something special for themselves.
Today was a very special day for us. We followed the traces of history among the ancient walls. If you have the chance, I highly recommend visiting this castle. It’s a place where every moment is worth experiencing to the fullest.
