Waldenburg, Germany

Images from Waldenburg -- November 2025.

While we were on the way to Rothenburg, Germany, we see this castle on a hill in the distance. We took a detour to find the wonderful village of Waldenburg, Germany on a hill with this great castle! First recorded mention of Waldenburg dates from 1253.

Note for Night Watch Tower: Built around 1490 as a covered flank tower with loopholes, it served to protect the outer gate. Its later use gave it its name. The night watchman here and the high watchman on the Lachner Tower had to confirm their vigilance to each other by calling out hourly at night. In 1988, the tower was renovated.

Note for the High Watchtower: Built circa 1230–1240 and standing 33 meters tall, its lower section has no interior space. The entrance to the former defensive walkway is 15 meters above street level. Damaged by French troops in 1697, the tower is nicknamed "Lachnersturm" after Johann Michael Lachner, the official city watchman from 1761 to 1821. A planned demolition in 1897 was halted due to lack of rubble storage. It served as a water tower from 1901 to 1957 and was fully restored in 1987, including masonry repairs, roof replacement, chamber refurbishment, and improved staircases.