Burg Staufeneck

Burg Staufeneck is a ruined spur castle above the village of Salach in the Filstal valley. It stands on a south-western spur of the Rehgebirge at 529 metres. Across the valley on the opposite spur sits Burg Ramsberg. The castle’s origins are uncertain, with dates ranging from 1080 to 1240. The castle passed through many noble families. The Staufeneck family built it and later the Rechbergs held it until the line died out in 1599. After disputes with the Württemberg duke, the property was divided and sold several times. By the 19th century the main buildings had collapsed and only the 27-metre keep remained. In 1926 the tower was reopened. Since 1927 the west wing has housed a restaurant and hotel. The Straubinger family transformed it into a fine-dining venue that earned a Michelin star in 1991. A modern hotel with five DEHOGA stars opened in 2002. Today guests dine in the vaulted rooms of the old keep while the new building overlooks the valley.