BURG RÖTTELN
Castle in Autumn Baden-Wurttemburg
The
casual traveler to Europe is unlikely to come across Burg Rötteln
unless an avid castle hunter, touring Germany's Black Forest or visiting
Basel, Switzerland. This wonderful castle ruin is at the southern end
of Germany's Black Forest region, near the town of Lorrach. It is
also in reach of a visit to Strasbourg and the 
Alsace
Wine Road (see Chateau
Haut-Koenigsburg) or Mulhouse (see Rail
and Auto Museums in Alsace). This early 13th Century castle
was first documented
as a completed fortress in 1259, but it’s first family namesake
Walter von Rotteln was mentioned as participating in the tournament in
Magdeburg
in 938. It is located in the southwesten most corner of Germany (see Black
Forest Glass Hut) where
Germany meets Switzerland and France, 20 kilometers from Basel across
the Swiss border, outside the city of Lorrach and one of the largest
castle
complexes in southern Baden-Wurttemburg (see European
Castles Institute).
After
having spent much of a trip in southern Germany in the fog and overcast
of fall, it was in this corner that the sun first shone on on these
well
preserved ruins in the autumn leaves that inspired a enthusiastic rapid
photo taking. This area gets the most sun thoughout the year in Germany.
Some of the unique features of the castle is a still intact drawbridge
crossing and portico. 
A “donjon” square tower rises prominently
over the landscape, and
very clearly defined walls of original construction provides a beautiful
example of inner and outer bailey medieval castle architecture. The castle
resides on asloping wooded hill where the defensive ports give a clear
view of any advancing attackers. And although much of the inner walls
have been destroyed the defensive wolks along the high walls have been
restrored, providing an almost dizzying vantage point overlooking the
whole structure. Though not sufficient to save it from French cannons
in the War of Succession (aka The Thirty Years War) in 1678. (see also Wandering
Immigrants).
The castle is open all year with a small museum of armor and other artifacts. The city of Lorrach holds an annual theater festival of performances at the castle from June to August. The Burg Rotteln can be reached off the A5 and Route 317 between Basel and Neustadt, where very popular skiing areas are located in winter. © Bargain Travel Europe
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SEE ALSO:
BLACK
FOREST HOHENZOLLERN
CASTLE
SIGMARINGEN
CASTLE
GOLDEN
LÖWEN HOTEL BADEN-BADEN
CASTLE
RHEINSTEIN
WINE
ROAD - BAD DURKHEIM
SWEET
TOOTH IN STRASBOURG
