Altenburg (Reutlingen-Altenburg)

The Altenburg was a medieval fortress in Reutlingen’s Altenburg district, high above the Neckar. First mentioned in 914 as the site of a royal court, it stood on a terrace 32 metres above the river, guarding an old road and ferry crossing. Built by Count Werner of Achalm, the stronghold was demolished in 1070. Today its walls have vanished, but the site serves as the local churchyard. Archaeologists uncovered a rectangular castle measuring roughly 120 by 100 metres. Its stone-and-clay walls rose two metres high and three metres thick, reinforced by five square towers. Inside, two buildings with foundations half a metre thick stood near the centre. The later St Nicholas church was built directly on the northern wall. Near the present town hall, the name ‘Im Hof’ points to the old economic yard, where a mill stood until 1973. Visitors walk among gravestones on the former stronghold, unaware of the fortress beneath. The church of St Nicholas occupies the north wall’s footprint. A short distance away, the town hall marks the old courtyard where grain was ground and supplies stored. From the terrace, views stretch over the Neckar valley, recalling the strategic spot once held by the castellum onfridinga.