Burg Alt-Schomburg

The Burg Alt-Schomburg, also called Hochburg, was a hilltop fortress built in the 13th century by the Schauenburg family. It stood 571 metres above sea level on the left bank of the Untere Argen, facing the former Schloss Schomburg across the river near Wangen im Allgäu. The site overlooks the valley from its commanding position, once guarding an important route through the region. By 1617 the castle had already fallen into ruin and little remains today except the name Hochburg. The counts of Montfort-Bregenz took control in the late 14th century before moving their seat to Schloss Schomburg. Ownership passed to citizens of Lindau named Benz and Konrad Siber in 1408. Later the Humpis von Waltrams family held it from 1549 until 1645, when the Habsburgs gained the site through the Montforts’ bankruptcy. The counts never repaired Alt-Schomburg, preferring the newer palace downstream. After the Habsburgs acquired the estate in 1779, the ruined fortress was abandoned entirely. Visitors now find only the Hof Hochburg, a working farm that occupies the former castle grounds. The farm buildings stand where towers and walls once rose above the river. From the courtyard there are wide views across the Argen valley towards the Allgäu hills. The peaceful farmland contrasts with the fortress’s vanished power. A short walk leads to the riverbank, where the old castle’s foundations lie beneath grass.