There are countless ruined castles all over Europe of course, and plenty in and around Freiburg. For example, if you haven't seen the "burg" in Staufen, you could have a look here.

They make excellent places to visit, being full of historical atmosphere as they somehow bring the Middle Ages to life. Amazing also to think how these people lived without tellys, computers or iphones!

But being at the top of hills they are also good for exercise, sorely needed by most of the family. So today (Saturday, 21 September 2013), we visited the Schneeburg in Elbingen just outside Freiburg, at the top of a small mountain overlooking the city. It was a small castle, and not a lot remains, but there are incredible views of Freiburg in one direction and the Schwarzwald in the others.

PHOTOS