Burg Seeburg (Bad Urach)

The Seeburg is a ruined hilltop fortress on the 630-metre Burgberg above the village of Seeburg, part of Bad Urach in the Reutlingen district. It was built by the local Seeburg family, probably before the 12th century, and is one of the oldest Alemannic fortifications in the region. The first written mention of a Bertoldus de Sebure dates from 1228. In 1556 Hans Ludwig von Speth sold the site to Duke Christoph of Württemberg. By about 1562 the castle had been destroyed and left to decay. The remains consist of low stretches of wall that outline the former enceinte and keep. These stones mark where the great hall once stood and where the chapel once opened onto the courtyard. Archaeologists have found traces of the drawbridge machinery and the gatehouse that guarded the single approach path. The site is small but clearly shows how the builders used the rocky crest to control the valley below. Visitors walk a short woodland path from Seeburg village to the summit. From the ruins there is a wide view over the Swabian Alb plateau and down to Bad Urach’s rooftops. The quiet hilltop is a good place to see how medieval builders chose commanding positions. A simple information board explains the main features without cluttering the scene.