Turmberg

The Turmberg is a 256-metre hill in Durlach, a suburb of Karlsruhe. It stands at the edge of the Black Forest where the low mountains meet the Kraichgau hills. The hill carries the ruins of a castle that once belonged to the rulers of Baden. A funicular railway, the Turmbergbahn, has climbed the slope since 1888. Originally it balanced its cars with water, but today it runs on electricity. Visitors can also reach the summit by the 528 steps of the Hexenstäffele path. The hill has long been a favourite place for day-trippers. The funicular is the oldest still working in Germany. The Hexenstäffele offers a direct climb with views over Karlsruhe and the surrounding countryside. At the top the castle ruins provide a quiet spot to look across the plain. The contrast between the old stones and the modern city below is striking. On the hillside there are wide paths for walking and cycling. The funicular station sits beside a small car park and a café. The Hexenstäffele starts near the lower station and winds through beech and oak woods. From the summit the whole city of Karlsruhe can be seen, along with the Black Forest on clear days. The ruins of the castle stand among grass and wild flowers, giving a sense of history against the green slopes.