Ältere Burg Herrenzimmern

The Ältere Burg Herrenzimmern stands on a rocky spur above the village of Herrenzimmern, a part of Bösingen in the Rottweil district. Built in the 11th century, it was one of two castles in the area, with the upper and lower forts mentioned in the Zimmern Chronicle. The upper castle was destroyed between 1077 and 1080, and further damage occurred during the Thirty Years’ War. Today only fragments remain, including a deep rock-cut ditch on the western side. The site is worth visiting for its early medieval origins and the chance to see defensive works carved directly into the rock. The Zimmern Chronicle records the castle’s existence in the late 11th century, linking it to local power struggles of the time. Though little survives above ground, the surviving ditch shows how the builders shaped the landscape to fortify their position. Visitors find a quiet hilltop clearing surrounded by farmland and woodland. The main remains are the weathered rock-cut trench and scattered masonry, with clear views across the valley. The setting is peaceful, with only the wind and birds breaking the silence. The castle’s ruins sit close to the village church, making it easy to combine a short walk with a look at later buildings.