Toppler Castle: Possibly The Smallest Medieval Castle In The World
Toppler Castle, known as Topplerschlösschen, is a small but fascinating medieval tower house located in the picturesque Tauber Valley, just below Rothenburg ob der Tauber in Germany.
This castle was built in 1388 by the famous mayor Heinrich Toppler.
It is one of the oldest surviving weekend houses, designed as both a residence and a defensive structure.
A Unique Architectural Marvel
The Toppler Castle is a striking example of a Weiherhaus, a type of fortified house known in English as a pond house, designed for both residential and defensive purposes.
The two-storey quarry stone base, with a diameter of 5.4 meters, provides a sturdy foundation, while the timbered upper levels project outward with steep gable roofs.
This combination of stone and wood was common in the late Middle Ages, but very few buildings like this remain so well-preserved today.
Originally, the castle was surrounded by a large, artificial pond fed by a natural spring.
This moat could be filled or drained as needed, providing an additional layer of defense for the castle’s inhabitants.
A drawbridge once spanned the pond, allowing controlled access to the castle.
Today, a stone bridge from the 16th century replaces the drawbridge, leading visitors across what is now a dry moat.
The Man Behind the Castle: Heinrich Toppler
Heinrich Toppler, the mastermind behind the Toppler Castle, was an important figure in Rothenburg’s history.
He served as mayor of the free imperial city of Rothenburg ob der Tauber from 1373 to 1407.
During that time he expanded Rothenburg’s influence and strengthened its defenses.
In 1388, the same year he began constructing the Toppler Castle, he was elected as one of the four captains of the Swabian League of Cities, a position of significant regional importance.
However, Toppler’s ambitions eventually led to his downfall.
In 1407, he was accused of treason and imprisoned in Rothenburg’s town hall dungeon, where he died under mysterious circumstances in 1408.
Despite his tragic end, Toppler’s legacy lives on through the castle that bears his name, a symbol of his influence and vision.
The Castle Preserved Through the Centuries
After Toppler’s death, the castle passed through various hands, including several prominent families of Rothenburg.
In 1861, the Boas family acquired the property.
For many years, they rented it out as a holiday home, allowing visitors to experience the unique atmosphere of this medieval retreat.
The family has done an excellent job preserving the castle, which remains almost exactly as it was centuries ago.
Inside, the rooms are furnished with pieces from the 16th to the 19th centuries.
Visitors can explore the castle’s interior, including the living room, kitchen, study, and bedroom.
These rooms are accessed by steep stairs, adding to the authentic medieval experience.
Exploring The Toppler Castle
Today, the Toppler Castle remains in the Boas family, who offer guided tours by appointment.
The castle is situated in a picturesque location, with the path leading to it offering beautiful vistas of Rothenburg ob der Tauber and the Tauber Valley.
From the market square in Rothenburg, it’s a pleasant 20-minute walk to the castle, passing through the castle gate and along the scenic Tauber Valley Bridge.