Who built the Ruine Zindelstein?

The castle was likely built in the 12th century by the Counts of Zähringen, later passing into the hands of the House of Fürstenberg.

Why is the castle in ruins today?

It was destroyed on 7 May 1525 by the Klettgau peasant band during the German Peasants' War.

Can visitors freely access the Ruine Zindelstein?

Yes, the site is freely accessible, though the approach is rough and there is a risk of falling stones.

What remains visible today?

A stump of the original keep and extensive remains of the outer bailey survive, partly damaged by a 1970 landslide.

Ruine Zindelstein

Donaueschingen

Access

No visits on recordNo opening hours or ticketing found

Where: Donaueschingen

To make a day of it

Open within 20 km

Sleep nearby

Ruine Zindelstein stands in Donaueschingen (Schwarzwald-Baar-Kreis), in Baden-Württemberg, Germany. No visits are on record for this building.

The Ruine Zindelstein sits on a rocky spur above the Breg river, at an elevation of 750 metres, between Furtwangen and Wolterdingen. Likely built in the 12th century by the Counts of Zähringen, it once guarded the road linking the Breisgau region to Villingen before losing its strategic importance and being destroyed in 1525 during the German Peasants' War. What remains today is a stump of the original Staufer-era keep along with substantial remnants of the outer bailey, still accessible despite their poor condition.

What to know

Access to the site follows a rough path, with a former entrance now blocked by a decrepit but passable fence.
Visitors face a risk of falling stones, making the walk physically demanding and unsuitable for those with reduced mobility.
No opening hours or admission fees apply, as the site is a freely accessible ruin.
Part of the outer bailey collapsed in 1970 following a landslide, altering the layout of the remains.
There are no particular facilities for families or visitors with limited mobility.

Where this château is

Donaueschingen · Schwarzwald-Baar-Kreis · Baden-Württemberg

Map of the area around Ruine Zindelstein

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This châteauChâteaux within 40 km

Address

Donaueschingen, Schwarzwald-Baar-Kreis

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

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Heritage status: Protection status unknown

In pictures

Frequently asked

Who built the Ruine Zindelstein?: The castle was likely built in the 12th century by the Counts of Zähringen, later passing into the hands of the House of Fürstenberg.
Why is the castle in ruins today?: It was destroyed on 7 May 1525 by the Klettgau peasant band during the German Peasants' War.
Can visitors freely access the Ruine Zindelstein?: Yes, the site is freely accessible, though the approach is rough and there is a risk of falling stones.
What remains visible today?: A stump of the original keep and extensive remains of the outer bailey survive, partly damaged by a 1970 landslide.