Who built Burg Helfenstein?

It was built at the start of the 12th century by the counts of Helfenstein, whose original seat it was.

Why is Burg Helfenstein a ruin today?

It was seized in 1552 by the forces of Margrave Albrecht Alcibiades of Brandenburg-Kulmbach, retaken by Ulm the same year, and its own fortifications were then torn down by the city.

Is Burg Helfenstein accessible by wheelchair or with a stroller?

A step-free route leads from a car park near Weiler via a track and a modern steel bridge.

What can still be seen on site?

Remains of the defensive walls, restored building fragments, a carved coat of arms of the Helfenstein family, and an observation tower with views over Geislingen an der Steige.

Helfenstein Castle

Geislingen an der Steige

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Where: Geislingen an der Steige

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Burg Helfenstein (Geislingen an der Steige) stands in Geislingen an der Steige (Landkreis Göppingen), in Baden-Württemberg, Germany. The building is a listed Baudenkmal. Its opening hours and prices have not been verified at the source yet.

Burg Helfenstein rises on a rocky spur above Geislingen an der Steige in Baden-Württemberg, at the point where the Fils valley meets the Swabian Alb plateau. Built at the start of the 12th century by the counts of Helfenstein, it was later turned into a fortress by the free city of Ulm before being destroyed in 1552 during the Second Margrave War. What remains today are sections of the defensive walls and a few restored buildings, along with an observation tower erected on the site of the former residential hall, offering views over the town and surrounding hills.

What to know

The ruin can be reached step-free from a car park near Weiler, via a track and a modern steel bridge.
Other approaches exist on foot from the west or over the old wooden bridge on the southeast side.
A castle tavern (Burgschenke) stands next to today's observation tower.
The site is listed as a Kulturdenkmal in Germany.
No verified opening hours or admission prices are available for this listing.

Where this château is

Geislingen an der Steige · Landkreis Göppingen · Baden-Württemberg

Map of the area around Burg Helfenstein (Geislingen an der Steige)

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This châteauChâteaux within 40 km

Address

Weilerstraße, 73312 Geislingen an der Steige

Directions open from wherever you are, by car or public transport.

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Château phone number

+49 7331 24279

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Heritage status: Kulturdenkmal in Deutschland

In pictures

Frequently asked

Who built Burg Helfenstein?: It was built at the start of the 12th century by the counts of Helfenstein, whose original seat it was.
Why is Burg Helfenstein a ruin today?: It was seized in 1552 by the forces of Margrave Albrecht Alcibiades of Brandenburg-Kulmbach, retaken by Ulm the same year, and its own fortifications were then torn down by the city.
Is Burg Helfenstein accessible by wheelchair or with a stroller?: A step-free route leads from a car park near Weiler via a track and a modern steel bridge.
What can still be seen on site?: Remains of the defensive walls, restored building fragments, a carved coat of arms of the Helfenstein family, and an observation tower with views over Geislingen an der Steige.