Ravensburg Castle is idyllically situated between Mühlbach and Sulzfeld on a small hill surrounded by picturesque vineyards with a fantastic view of the Rhine Valley. According to legend, Ravensburg Castle was built around 930 by the knight Rabanus. In fact, the castle was built between 1220 and 1222 by the imperial minister Ravan von Wimpfen together with his sons. The former “Ravan’s Castle” consisted of the current 30-meter-high keep, residential and farm buildings, and a surrounding wall with a gate on the east side. The castle changed hands several times over the years. However, it was mainly owned by the von Sulzfeld family. The appearance of the castle changed frequently thanks to its owners’ great enthusiasm for building. In the 16th century, elaborate strong defensive structures and another surrounding wall with defensive facilities were built. However, the two defensive structures were removed again around 1600. In their place, a representative residential building, two large wine cellars, and a new farm building were created. After a major fire and looting of the castle in 1546, two dilapidated residential buildings were demolished in 1807 and 1822. The last resident of the castle died in 1849. After that, the castle was used as a quarry and was not renovated again until the 1950s. Today, Ravensburg Castle shines in new splendor with its keep, defensive towers, and residential buildings. The keep is open to visitors, and those who climb it are rewarded with a fantastic panoramic view stretching as far as the Vosges and the Palatinate. The wedding chapel in the historic cellar, built in 2006, is also open to visitors. The castle also houses the only preserved underground battlement in the Kraichgau region. This battlement once connected all the important defensive points and allowed quick access to the viewing platform of the keep. I was very impressed by this monumental structure. A small bridge over a moat led me to the enchanting castle garden with its magnificent panorama. I enjoyed the beautiful view surrounded by vineyards. Ravensburg Castle is also a wonderful place to dine. The castle has a restaurant that is known for its fine cuisine made with regional ingredients and fine wines from local vineyards. I have already had the opportunity to experience this for myself. In addition, the castle’s knights’ hall can accommodate 60 people for celebrations, while the great hall has room for 90 guests. But Ravensburg Castle has more to offer than just weddings and other events. Hikers are also welcome in the large castle beer garden, where they can treat themselves to freshly tapped beers and hearty delicacies after their cycling or hiking tour. There is also a restaurant terrace with a unique view over the hills of the Kraichgau region. If you want to feel like you’re back in the Middle Ages, you can book a knight’s banquet for 30 or more people and, in addition to authentic medieval decorations and food, you can also request jugglers to provide artistic and musical entertainment for the event. In addition, every first Sunday of the month, there is a varied lunch buffet with a starter buffet, main courses featuring meat, fish, and vegetarian dishes, and an extensive dessert buffet. I love Ravensburg, which is one of my favorite destinations in Baden-Württemberg. Here, I can relax and unwind with breathtaking views, go hiking among the vineyards, enjoy delicious food, or relax with a cup of coffee and cake. For me, Ravensburg is simply a must-see and always worth a visit.
