Imagine a time long ago. Burg Altdischingen was once a hilltop castle. Today, it’s a hidden gem near Weilimdorf in Stuttgart.
Burg Altdischingen is also known as the “Old Castle”. It stands about 400 meters above sea level. This former castle is in the Solitude state forest. Weilimdorf became part of Stuttgart in 1933.
Let’s step back to the late 11th century. Burg Altdischingen was built around that time. Sadly, it was destroyed in the mid-12th century. It existed for a short time.
The castle grounds covered roughly 25 by 40 meters. A ravine protected the south side. A 2.5 to 3 meter deep trench defended the north and east sides. There was also an additional wall on the north and east with its own 1 meter deep trench.
Today, no walls stand above ground. But imagine the castle in its prime. It would have been a formidable structure.
Burg Altdischingen sits only 400 meters south of Dischingen Castle. Both castles share a history in this area.
Local documents suggest Burg Altdischingen was mainly built from wood. It is believed that it may have succumbed to a fire in the late 12th century. That would explain its relatively short lifespan. It is referred to as the Alte Burg, which means Old Castle.
The more recent Dischingen Castle succeeded Burg Altdischingen. It stood on a rocky outcrop. This gave a great view toward Strohgäu. Now, trees block the view.
Hans Tischinger a robber knight once lived in the more recent Dischingen Castle. He demanded tolls from passing merchants.
Interestingly, it took a bomb to reveal fragments of the castle.
You can park near the Bergheimer Steige. From there, it’s a short walk to Burg Altdischingen. The Dischinger Wald is worth exploring. Nearby, you can also see the Daimerplatz wetland and the Hasenbrünnele.
Though little remains of Burg Altdischingen, its story lives on. This forgotten castle reminds us of Stuttgart’s rich medieval past. Take a moment to imagine the lives of those who once called this castle home. Their stories echo through the trees.