Bürgle (Köndringen)

The Bürgle stands on a long spur of land 500 metres east of Köndringen village, 215 metres above sea level. The spur juts out from the surrounding countryside like a natural terrace, giving the site a commanding position. Archaeologists recognise it as one of the earliest castles in the Breisgau region. The lords of Köndringen, an ancient noble family, built it around 1111 as their family seat. By the 14th century the family had moved away, and the castle was already falling into disuse. The only visible remains today are the deep neck ditch that once separated the main part of the castle from the spur. Medieval records from the Tennenbach monastery list the site in the first half of the 14th century. Written evidence suggests the castle may have been abandoned as early as the 13th century. Excavations confirm that the ditch is the last surviving element of the original defences. Historians regard the Bürgle as an important example of early medieval fortification in south-west Germany. Visitors walk along a quiet farm track to reach the spur. The ditch is clearly visible as a wide, grass-covered trench cutting across the neck of the spur. From the far side there are wide views over the flat Rhine plain to the west and the wooded foothills to the east. The site is surrounded by arable fields and vineyards, typical of the gently rolling countryside of the Breisgau. On clear days the silhouette of the Black Forest can be seen to the south. The place is peaceful, with only the sound of wind and distant farm machinery breaking the silence.