Here at Burgruine Nippenburg, legends say that a count named Hans buried his fortune here. It is said that his spirit still guards it after his death. Welcome to Burgruine Nippenburg. This ruin is more than just stones. It is a place of history. It is a place of mystery.
Burgruine Nippenburg is considered the oldest castle ruin in the Stuttgart region. It was first mentioned in 1160. This strategic site overlooks the Glems river valley. The castle stands 295 meters above sea level.
In the 12th century, a local noble family built Burgruine Nippenburg for military purposes. Over time, the castle was expanded. The outer bailey was added in the late 15th century.
New weapons emerged. Mortars and cannons replaced catapults. Castles no longer provided sufficient protection. They were cold damp and uncomfortable. Around 1600, the Schloss Nippenburg manor house was built above the Burgruine Nippenburg.
Wilhelm the last knight of Nippenburg used stones from the castle to build his new manor house. Burgruine Nippenburg was inhabited until about 1700. After that, it fell into disrepair. Ivy and shrubs covered the walls. Only the storerooms were still used.
In the 1960s and 1970s, plans arose to restore the dilapidated structure. Extensive restoration work was carried out between 1979 and 1984. Today Burgruine Nippenburg is a popular destination.
The castle had two outer baileys. The first southern bailey had a large barn. The second western bailey had a cistern. Also in the western bailey are the remains of a high bergfried. Beneath it lies a five-meter-deep dungeon.
The mighty shield wall protected the main castle. A ring wall surrounded the courtyard. A gate in the southern ring wall led to the Zwinger. This area had many loopholes for defense. The Kapple, an old watchtower stood in the southeastern corner.
A knight Christoph von Hemmingen sought the daughter of a knight. One night the young bride got lost in a bog. Despite her cries no one heard her. Only her handkerchief was found the next day.
Another story tells of a headless horseman. He haunts the Schwieberdingen quarry. Ghosts braid the horse’s mane and tail. People avoided the road to Schwieberdingen at night. The Kappelesgeist spirit was said to descend from Burgruine Nippenburg.
Burgruine Nippenburg has seen centuries of change. Knights nobles and even ghosts have left their mark. As you stand here imagine the lives lived within these walls. Think of the battles fought and the legends born. The stones whisper stories of the past. They invite you to listen closely.