Schloss Kaltenstein

Schloss Kaltenstein stands above the town of Vaihingen an der Enz in Baden-Württemberg. The building began as a castle first mentioned in 1096 and became the seat of the Counts of Vaihingen. After changing hands several times in the 14th century, it passed to Württemberg and served as an administrative centre. The present palace took shape in the 16th century when the inner ward was rebuilt and renamed. By the 18th century its defences had been strengthened with modern earthworks. Later it housed a military garrison, a military hospital and, from 1843, a workhouse. During the Nazi period the castle held prisoners and in both world wars it held prisoners of war. After 1945 the Christian Youth Village Association took over the site and ran it as a youth and educational centre until 2013. Visitors can still see parts of the medieval curtain wall built of ashlar blocks, the two wing walls that once led to town gates, and sections of the later fortifications. Inside, the palace preserves its historical layout while the surrounding grounds offer views over the Enz valley. The building is now being restored under a long-term agreement between the state and a private company.