High above the plane the mighty fortress ruins of Hohenneuffen are enthroned on a 743 m high mountain spur on the northern rim (Albtrauf). On the slope of Neuffen Mountain early human traces from the Bronze Age (around 800) were found. The ruins goes back to a medieval mountain castle built around 1100 as a seat of higher nobility under Count Manegolt von Sulmetingen. The ramparts and an inner ring wall from this time have been partially preserved until today.
Hohenneuffen Castle was never conquered and plays a major role in the history of Württemberg. It became particularly important as the family seat of the Lords of Neuffen, relatives of the builder and one of the most outstanding Swabian noble families, which held high offices and positions of confidence under the Staufers. Under Emperor Friedrich II, Heinrich von Neuffen was tutor to the princes, counselor and accompanied the Staufer in 1228 on his Crusade to the Holy Land.
The political era of the Neuffen dynasty ended in 1234/35 with the defeat of the rebellion of King Heinrich against his father the Emperor supported by Heinrich von Neuffen. The great cultural achievements of the von Neuffens include the famous songs of Gottfried von Neuffen, who achieved great fame as a minnesinger.
In 1301 the castle was sold to Count Eberhard I von Württemberg. He renovated the fortress complex by adding outer ring walls to the endangered eastern flank. The main entrance to the castle now lead through the "Allewind" gate tower, which was erected as part of these eastern ring walls.
Hohenneuffen proved its impregnability in the 16th century as one of the seven fortresses in the duchy of Württemberg. Duke Ulrich von Württemberg and his son Duke Christoph von Württemberg expanded the castle to an imposing complex with massive defensive rings, three round bastions for posting cannons, the Upper Rampart (Obere Wall) and a new castle entrance, a bridge on eight piers.
These efforts had become necessary in an age of political unrest, and as a result of the Reformation and the Peasants' War, to make the castle unassailable despite new weapons, gunpowder and cannons. Nearly all buildings from this time have been preserved and continue to mark the castle's appearance today.