Altstadt (Gottmadingen)

The Burg Altstadt stands on the eastern edge of the Heilsberg plateau, a forested ridge rising above the surrounding countryside. It is a former hilltop fortification, now reduced to a half-ring of earthworks and a low wall. The site lies about 1,600 metres north-north-east of Gottmadingen in the district of Konstanz. Archaeologists recognise the surviving earthworks as the remains of a medieval defensive work. The wall encloses a roughly oval area once protected by a ditch and palisade. Written records from the 19th century mention the site, but no standing buildings survive. Visitors walk a quiet woodland path to the plateau’s edge. The half-ring of earthworks is still visible, marking the outline of the vanished stronghold. From the plateau there are wide views over the Hegau landscape and towards the Bodensee. The air is quiet except for birdsong and the occasional breeze in the treetops.