Hohenzollern is simply fantastic. When you first see it in the distance, the castle literally consumes the entire crown of a conspicuous hill. Unfortunately, weather conditions caused just enough mist to make distant shots a little hazy. Nevertheless, to see it in person is mind boggling. The photos simply do not do it justice.
Hohenzollern is located near the small town of Hechingen, to the southwest of Stuttgart and Reutlingen. Because of its size, you can choose to either just tour the grounds yourself, or for a little extra money, take the entire tour.
The photos here date from 2005 and 2007. Unfortunately, my photos from 1979 were lost... I left the roll on the ground when changing out the film and simply forgot about it. Daaahhh... Quite distressing!
Hohenzollern dates from the early 11th Century, and is first mentioned as a fortification under Castro Zolre of the House of Zollern in the 1260s. Of the castle that stands today, the light grey chapel is the oldest visible major part, dating from this time frame. As one enters the main entrance (right) they procede up a winding drive into the main part of the castle (below).
The castle, though well fortified, was almost completely destroyed in 1423, taking nearly 20 years for reconstruction to start. Over the years its fortifications were modified and extended, especially as the advent of cannon threated many castles. Hohenzollern's lofty position was one of its best defenses against cannon and other weapons of war. However, by the 1800s the castle was mostly a ruin until King Frederick Wilhelm IV of Prussia decided to restore it in a Gothic style. The present structure, damaged by earthquakes in the 1970s, is largely the result of this king's efforts.
As one finishes the walk up the circular drive, they are greeted by two chainmailed knights atop the main wall.
