Burg Laubenbergerstein

Burg Laubenbergerstein stands one kilometre north of Immenstadt in the Allgäu, on a wooded hill above the Iller river. The ruins belong to a high to late medieval castle built by the bishops of Augsburg in the 12th century. A ministerial family named Laubenberg occupied the site and controlled the important Iller crossing and toll station. The castle gained wider fame in 1446 when Kaspar von Laubenberg received high jurisdiction from Emperor Frederick III. This provoked raids by the nearby Count Hugo of Montfort, who lived in the double castle Rothenfels-Hugofels two kilometres west. After the attacks the Laubenberger family enlarged the fortress with a powerful artillery tower. During the Peasants’ War of 1525 insurgents seized the castle and took several guns. By 1559 the family had moved to a new palace in Rauhenzell and the hilltop was left to decay. Visitors today follow a path that winds from the south to the main gate in the east. Low Nagelfluh and sandstone walls enclose the site, with a reconstructed late medieval gun tower on the west side. Inside, the remains of the palas and chapel lie near the gatehouse. Members of the Laubenberger Ritter group often dress in historical costume and explain medieval life. The entire ruin is freely accessible and can be walked without danger.