Burg Wildeck

The Burg Wildeck is a ruined hilltop castle standing at 662 metres above sea level near Irslingen, a village that now belongs to Dietingen. It first appears in records from 1279 and once belonged to the Lords of Wildeck and later to the Counts of Sulz. No traces of the original buildings remain above ground today. The site overlooks the upper Neckar valley, offering wide views over the surrounding Black Forest foothills. Walkers can reach the mound by a short path from the edge of the village. The castle’s name still appears on local maps and in local history books. Historians recognise the Wildeck as one of the earliest stone castles built in this part of the Neckar valley. The Lords of Wildeck were a Swabian noble family who played a modest role in the region’s politics during the 13th century. After their line died out the castle passed to the Counts of Sulz, who held it until the 16th century. Archaeologists have found fragments of the old walls and towers beneath the turf, confirming the site’s importance. The castle’s position on a narrow ridge made it easy to defend and hard to attack. Visitors find a quiet grassy mound topped by a simple wooden cross. A low stone kerb marks the outline of the former keep, and information boards explain what once stood there. The summit is large enough for several people to stand together and enjoy the long views north towards the Swabian Alb. In spring wild daffodils grow around the base, and in autumn the beech woods on the slopes turn golden. The path up is steep in places but short, taking only a few minutes from the nearest car park.