Our journey begins with the true pearl of the Black Forest - Hohenzollern Castle. Perched atop the Hohenzollern mountain, this majestic fortress is one of the most beautiful and impressive castles in all of Germany. Built in a neo-Gothic style in the 19th century, it replaced earlier medieval structures that had stood on the site since the 11th century. Hohenzollern Castle, with its soaring towers and massive walls, seems to have been taken alive from a fairy tale.

The tour begins with a walk along the winding road leading to the top of the mountain. The road itself provides an unforgettable experience, offering picturesque views of the surrounding area. For those who prefer to save their strength, a free shuttle bus is available, running from the parking lot to the castle gate. It is worth remembering, however, that even using the bus, a short but steep uphill walk awaits.

The interior of the castle impresses with its rich ornamentation and collection of valuable artifacts related to the history of the Hohenzollern family. During the guided tour (tickets priced at 12 euros for adults, 6 euros for children, as of 2023) you can admire the luxurious chambers, the throne room and the castle chapel. A special attraction is the treasury, which contains the Prussian crown and personal items of King Frederick the Great.

For families with children, the castle offers special tours, during which the little ones can feel like real knights or princesses. It's worth noting that the castle hosts periodic exhibitions and themed events to further enhance the visit.

Hohenzollern Castle is not only a history lesson, but also a great place to enjoy the panorama of the Black Forest. The observation deck offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding hills and valleys. It's the perfect place for souvenir photos and a moment to relax after sightseeing.

The next stop on our tour is Burg Alt-Eberstein, a picturesque castle in Baden-Baden. This medieval fortress, although smaller than Hohenzollern, has its own unique charm. Built in the 11th century, it served as a strategic defensive point, and today offers a fascinating journey back in time.

Burg Alt-Eberstein impresses with its authentic medieval character. Climbing the stone steps to the observation tower, you can feel the spirit of the old days. From the top you can enjoy a beautiful panorama of the Rhine valley and the surrounding forests. This is an ideal place for photography lovers and those looking for inspiring views.

A great advantage of this place is its accessibility - admission to the castle grounds is free, making it an attractive destination for families with children. In the courtyard there is a restaurant serving traditional Baden cuisine, where you can relax and enjoy a meal after sightseeing.

Unlike Hohenzollern Castle, Burg Alt-Eberstein offers a more intimate and peaceful experience. It's the perfect place for a Sunday stroll or picnic in the shadow of the medieval walls. The paths around the castle are well-marked and equipped with handrails, making it easy for the elderly or families with young children to explore as well.

Moving further south in the Black Forest, we arrive at Badenweiler Castle. This place, although less well-known than the previous ones, has its own unique charm and rich history dating back to Roman times. The castle is located in the spa town of Badenweiler, which adds to its charm.

The ruins of Badenweiler Castle, while not as grand as Hohenzollern, offer a fascinating insight into medieval defensive architecture. Visiting the remains of the walls and towers, one can imagine what life was like in this fortress centuries ago. Of particular interest are the surviving fragments of the Romanesque chapel.

A great asset of this place is its picturesque location. From the walls of the castle there is a beautiful view of the Rhine valley and the surrounding vineyards. This is an ideal place for a relaxing walk and contemplation of the beauty of nature combined with history.

Badenweiler Castle is also an interesting place for families with children. Educational events and historical reenactments are often held on the castle grounds, which provide an interactive look at the history of the region. There is a fee to enter the ruins, but ticket prices are affordable (about 4-5 euros for adults, children often have discounts or free admission, as of 2023).

Comparing the three castles, each offers a slightly different experience. Hohenzollern impresses with its monumentality and opulent interiors, Burg Alt-Eberstein charms with its authenticity and peaceful atmosphere, and Badenweiler Castle fascinates with its combination of history and natural beauty. When going to each of them, it is advisable to plan your time accordingly - you should set aside at least half a day for Hohenzollern, while Burg Alt-Eberstein and Badenweiler Castle can be visited in 2-3 hours each.

Our journey through the medieval castles of the Black Forest would not be complete without a visit to two fascinating ruins - Burgruine Hohenschramberg and Ruine Schauenburg. These two places, although less well-known than the previously described castles, offer an unforgettable experience and the opportunity to explore the less traveled paths of history.

Burgruine Hohenschramberg, located in the picturesque town of Schramberg, is an impressive castle ruin dating back to the 15th century. Built on a steep hill, this fortress dominates the area, offering breathtaking views of the valley and surrounding forests. The history of the castle is fascinating - it was destroyed during the Nine Years' War by French troops, and today stands as a testament to the region's turbulent past.

Visiting Burgruine Hohenschramberg is a real adventure for history and nature lovers. The climb up the castle hill is quite demanding, but the reward is not only the ruins, but also the panorama of the area. Note the preserved fragments of the fortress walls and tower, which give an idea of the former power of this fortress.

A major advantage of the site is its accessibility - admission to the ruins is free, making it an attractive destination for families and travelers on a tight budget. There is parking and restrooms nearby, making it easy to plan a trip.

Moving on, we arrive at Ruine Schauenburg, located near the town of Oberkirch. Dating back to the 11th century, these ruins are among the oldest in the region and offer a fascinating insight into medieval defensive architecture. Schauenburg Castle, although less grand than Hohenschramberg, has its own unique charm and atmosphere of mystery.

Ruine Schauenburg impresses with its picturesque location among vineyards and forests. The climb up the castle hill is easier than Hohenschramberg, making the site more accessible for families with children or the elderly. From the ruins, there is a beautiful view of the Rhine valley and the surrounding hills covered with vineyards.

An interesting fact associated with Ruine Schauenburg is the legend of the White Lady, who is said to haunt the ruins. This tale adds an extra mystical charm to the place and is a great topic of conversation during the tour, especially for younger explorers.

When comparing Burgruine Hohenschramberg and Ruine Schauenburg, it's worth noting their differences. Hohenschramberg offers a more challenging route and impressive views, ideal for adventurers and photography enthusiasts. Schauenburg, on the other hand, is more easily accessible and has a more romantic atmosphere, ideal for family outings and quiet strolls.

Both places are free, which is a big plus for those planning to visit the region's many castles. It's worth remembering, however, that unlike more famous castles, these ruins do not offer organized tours or guides. This is an ideal opportunity for those who like to discover history on their own and interpret the remains of ancient times.

To sum up our journey through the medieval castles of the Black Forest, each of the sites described offers a unique experience. From the majestic Hohenzollern Castle, to the picturesque Burg Alt-Eberstein and Badenweiler Castle, to the mysterious ruins of Hohenschramberg and Schauenburg, there is something for everyone. These stone witnesses to history not only give us a glimpse into the past, but also offer incredible views and an atmosphere that will long be remembered. When planning a trip to the Black Forest, it is worth including these places in your itinerary to fully experience the magic and history of this fascinating region of Germany.