More than 700 years ago, the cornerstone was laid for Schwarzenberg Castle, which remains a landmark of the city of Plettenberg to this day. Since a devastating fire in 1864, only the foundation walls of the fortress and residential building remain. Previously, the officials living at Schwarzenberg had shaped the region’s destiny for several centuries before the castle passed into the possession of the Plettenberg family in 1661 and, gradually stripped of its former significance, fell into disrepair. A hike to the Schwarzenberg Castle ruins is a must for every visitor to the “City of Four Valleys.” The ruins, with their impressive walls, offer an adventure in any weather and are a worthwhile destination.
Still preserved today from Schwarzenberg Castle are parts of the bakehouse, the foundation walls of the steward’s house, a circular staircase, and remnants of the 13-meter-high keep, as well as the 26-meter-deep well. A sign of activity at the Burgruine der Burg Schwarzenberg that is still clearly visible today is the watchtower. It was rebuilt by the local heritage association between 1983 and 1987 on the remaining foundations, based on old contemporary depictions of Schwarzenberg Castle.
Hike to the Schwarzenberg Castle Ruins (Enter at your own risk!):
https://touren.sauerland.com/de/tour/wanderung/plettenberg-burgruine-schwarzenberg-mit-aussichtspunkt-engelbertstuhl/58180422/
