The Turmberg, the pearl of Durlach,Karlsruhe...
- Nov 1, 2016
- 4 min read
It was a lovely sunny autumn day, the day when you understand that you want to feel all the beauty of the coming season with yellow leaves and special autumn smell... So, it's a time to discover new places!
This time, I decided to visit The Durlach Turnberg, which looks incredibly attractive in autumn colours!
A bit about Durlach Turnberg and its history...
The Turmberg is the local hill of Durlach, the former royal seat of Baden which is now is one of urban districts of Karlsruhe. It is 256 metres high and forms the nortwesternmost peak of the Black Forest at the transition between the low maintain range and the hilly landscape of the Kraichgau region.
The Turmberg got its name from an old tower dating back to the late Staufer period. The foundations of a 200 year older tower were discovered right next to it. These are the remains of the “castrum Gretzingen”, i.e. the castle of Grötzingen. The Pinzgau counts of the Hohenberger dynasty had their residence here in the 11th and 12th centuries and exercised governing rights on behalf of the Salier kings. The residential tower was one of the earliest aristocratic highland castles in Germany’s southwest, demonstrating the aplomb of its owners. The old residential tower was demolished between 1230 and 1250 and a slimmer castle-keep integrated into the enclosing wall instead.
The 28 m high tower of today is characterised by the robust and defensive-looking ashlar masonry typical of the Staufer period. The new masters in the 13th century, the margraves of Baden, initially still held office in the castle, then called “castrum Durlach”, from time to time. As this was captured on several occasions in the 1270s, however, they increasingly preferred the town of Durlach in which they built a lowland castle. When margrave Karl II. Moved his residence there in 1556 and had the Karlsburg built, the old castle was retained as a watchtower. With the aid of a 13 m high pillar, a platform was built to accommodate an alarm cannon.
You can click on this link if you are interested in watching 3D-Visualisierung Turmberg Karlsruhe Durlach
to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ALx1aRiTllg
HOW TO GET THERE:
Its quite easy to visit the place from Karlsruhe by S-Bahn
Charm of the city:
- Durlach is an ancient district of Karlsruhe with old narrow streets, restaurants with traditional German food, lovely small shops and rich history with a wonderful nature!
- The place is specially recommended to those who love nature.
- The Turmberg is a favourite destination for outings and can be reached by a number of routes.
- You can easely rent a flat in Durlach and this will give you a possibility to enjoy a lovely landscape and at the same time you can quite easy reach the centre of Karlsruhe.
- I can't advise what season is better for visiting, as it's always great but for sure Durlach in autumn and winter is like from a fairytale books.
So, let's start our trip here:
As soon as you get off of the tram you can already admire Turmberg.
We are approaching to the Turmbergbahn. The Rurmberg railway has been ascending the hill since 1888. It is the oldest funicular railway still operating in Germany. The top of the hill can also be reached directly by climbing the 528 steps of the “Hexenstäffele”.
A number of signposted walks present an opportunity for a tour on foot and there’s also a large adventure playground plus the high ropes course completed in 2010.
A return ticket is avaliable for just 2.50 €.
On YouTube you can glide down with me from the top of the Berg to the city: https://youtu.be/Ht-NQQNp0w4
So, finally we are here... the beauty can't be described by words it can only be seen and felt...
From this place we can notice a wonderful view across the Rhine Plain over the rooftops of Durlach and Karlsruhe.
And finally we are approching to the famous ancient tower. In autumn colors it looks fantastic!
Going up by the ancient stairs, we find ourselves on the top of the tower...
And yessss finally we are on top of the tower from where we can see an incredible landscape, beautiful city in autumn colors...no words to comment this beauty... better let's enjoy the photos:)
After enjoying wonderful moments on the top, you can go down and have a traditional lunch in an ancient cafe or walking in a wonderful forest... Everywhere there are benches where you can sit on and admire the beauty and silence around you...
It was a wonderful time and a perfect autumn day to be in such a nice place.
Now its time to take the Turmbergbahn and go down to the city...
I hope after reading my article, you will get an inspiration about visiting the Turmberg... The Turmberg is waiting for you and will give you for sure bright memories!
Would be glad to hear your comments, ideas and if you have any further questions about the city, don't hesitate to contact me!
With Love,
Your Dominique
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