Burg Vehingen

Burg Vehingen stands on the Kaltenstein hill above Vaihingen an der Enz in Baden-Württemberg. It was first mentioned in 1096 as Castrum Vaihingen and built by the Counts of Vaihingen. The polygonal-oval castle once dominated the surrounding landscape. Parts of its stauferzeitliches Buckelquader-Mauerwerk from around 1230 still remain. Later the Counts of Oettingen sold the castle to Württemberg in 1339. The castle passed through several noble hands before falling into disrepair. The surviving shield wall was incorporated into Schloss Kaltenstein in the late 16th century. The site shows how medieval fortifications evolved over centuries. Historians recognise the masonry as an important example of Staufer architecture. Today only fragments of the original structure can be seen. Visitors find the ruins set on a wooded hill overlooking the town. The remaining stonework stands near the later palace. A short walk leads from the town centre up to the hilltop. The view extends across the Enz valley and the surrounding countryside. The site offers a quiet place to imagine the castle’s past.