Right, a view across a modern wooden bridge that spans the dry moat between the Middle and Rear Castle, with the latter seen in the distance.
There was a dry moat between all three sections of the castle, making each capable of independent defense, and yet able to coordinate defensive measures when under attack. As such, Eberbach was never truly tested in battle.
Left, as one enters the Rear Castle they pass the remains of the tower to the left of this photograph and enter the courtyard. Beyond lies the remains of the Wohnturm, or large keep that contained living quarters to survive an extended siege.
The remains of the Rear Castle's tower is seen below. This tower once measured 8x9 meters side to side.
The Wohnturm measured 12x12 meters side to side, and had walls that were 2 meters thick. Right, a view of the Wohnturm from outside the east wall of the Rear Castle. The outer walls of the Rear Castle measured from 1.5 to 2.4 meters thick.
Above inset, a view of the lower entrance to the Wohnturm. It is possible that this was a modern construction, for as noted before, towers tended to have entrances high above the ground. However, there is some indication from groundplans that the Wohnturm may have had two ground level entrances.
On the grounds of the castle, between the Middle and Rear Castles, is the "Oswald Fuchs Hutte." This is of recent construction built to assist in the restoration efforts at what can be described as a reasonably remote site.
To the immediate west of the Wohnturm is another section of living quarters, this apparently at least two and possibly three stories high.
The photo at left demonstrates the nature of the slopes and terrain along the hill on which Eberbach is situated. I took this photo during my abortive attempt to find another smaller ruin nearby called Emisburg. This castle had once been a hunting lodge for the Leiningen family and was apparently abandoned over the years and allowed to decay.
There is very little left of Emisburg, at least as seen from above in satellite photos, and the trails were to nondescript to determine what direction I should continue. As the day was growing late I decided it was better to end this trek.
