Burg Kranzenau

Burg Kranzenau stands in the rolling countryside south-east of Oberschaffhausen, a village within Bötzingen municipality in the Breisgau-Hochschwarzwald district. First recorded in 1428, the site is thought to have been a moated castle built by the Schnewlin family, who added the name ‘Kranzenau’ to their title in 1412. The family held the stronghold until their line died out late in the 16th century, after which it passed through several noble houses, including the Altstetter von Kaltenburg and finally the Seldeneck family.

The castle’s history is marked by conflict. During the Peasants’ War of 1525 it was set ablaze, yet by 1567 written sources still call it a ‘Burg’, suggesting rebuilding had taken place. By the 19th century only ruins remained visible above ground, and today no surface traces of the former walls or towers can be found.

Visitors approach across farmland that once formed the outer defences. The gentle rise where the main tower stood offers wide views over the Rhine valley and the Black Forest foothills. Information boards explain how the site looked in the 16th century and outline the castle’s shifting ownership. The quiet lanes around Oberschaffhausen lead walkers past old farmsteads that share the same fertile soil the Schnewlin family once controlled.