Hohenstaufen Mountain

Hohenstaufen is the cone-shaped mountain near Göppingen, east of Stuttgart, that gave its name to the Hohenstaufen dynasty, the medieval emperors who included Frederick Barbarossa. At 684 meters (2,244 feet), it is the westernmost of the "Three Imperial Mountains" in front of the Swabian Alb. A short hike leads to the scant ruins of the family's ancestral castle and a panoramic view over the Fils valley, making it a rewarding stop for history lovers and walkers alike.

The Cradle of an Empire

Around 1070, Duke Frederick I of Swabia built (or expanded) a castle on the summit. From here the family rose to become kings of Germany and Holy Roman Emperors. Emperor Frederick Barbarossa is documented staying at the castle on May 11, 1181. After the dynasty died out in 1268, the castle passed through several owners until it was destroyed in the Peasants' War of 1525. Its stones were later carted off to build Göppingen's palace, and the last tower came down in 1705. Excavations in the 20th century uncovered the foundations, which were stabilized by 2010. A memorial stele has honored the Staufer on the summit since 2002.

What to See

• Castle foundations of the inner and outer ward, with characteristic rusticated stonework.
• The Staufer stele and a panorama board identifying the surrounding peaks.
• Wide views to the neighboring Rechberg and Stuifen, the edge of the Swabian Alb and the Fils valley.
• "The Staufer" exhibition in the village below, next to the Barbarossa Church, with texts and films in German, English and Italian.

Opening Hours and Admission

As of October 2026, the summit and castle ruins are freely accessible during the day. The Staufer exhibition (Kaiserbergsteige 22) is open Tuesday to Sunday, 10 a.m.–noon and 1–5 p.m. from March 15 to November 15, and on weekends only in winter. Admission is free. There is also a restaurant on the mountain.

How to Get There

The summit can only be reached on foot. The shortest route starts in the Göppingen district of Hohenstaufen and takes about 15 to 25 minutes via the Kaiserbergsteige path; parking is available in the village. Göppingen station is on the main Stuttgart–Ulm rail line, and local buses continue to Hohenstaufen; the Deutschlandticket is valid. By car, Göppingen is a convenient day trip from Stuttgart.

Is It Worth Visiting?

Yes, if you are interested in medieval German history or want an easy hike with big views. There is little left of the castle itself, so the setting and the story are the attraction. Allow 1.5 to 3 hours including the exhibition, or link all three Imperial Mountains into a full-day hike via the Hohenrechberg.