Ruine Schimmelsprung

The Schimmelsprung ruins are enthroned on a wild rocky promontory around 100 meters above the picturesque Kamp Valley ("Kamptal" in German), from where the houses look like toys. Today it is a peaceful place, but the castle looks back on an eventful and tragic history. The former stronghold was mentioned in documents as early as 1196. Legend has it that the lord of the castle was cruel and domineering and his subjects suffered under his despotism. Eventually the peasants rose up, besieged the castle and when the lord of the castle tried to flee with his white horses, he fell over the rock face, hence the name "Schimmelsprung".

Today, the rocky nest is not only a place of history, but also a living natural paradise. Numerous flowers grow on the rocks and in the dry habitats, and semi-natural forests with gnarled oaks and mighty beeches characterize the landscape. The trees seem like silent sentinels over the ruins, preserving the peace that returned after the tragic events.

The hike up to the Schimmelsprung ruins in Thunau near Gars is a special experience. On the way, you pass the hilltop of the Schanzberg with excavations of a Slavic fortification over 2,000 years old, roam through the natural oak forest and finally reach the viewing rock. From here, a breathtaking view opens up over the Kamp Valley ("Kamptal" German), history, nature and adventure in a unique panorama.