Ruine Leckstein

Burladingen-Gauselfingen, Germany

---

The Ruine Leckstein, also known by names like Lägstein, Lechstein, or Reckstein, is a ruin of a hill castle situated at about 785 meters above sea level on a valley slope west of Gauselfingen, which is part of Burladingen in Baden-Württemberg, Germany.

The castle dates back to the second half of the 12th century, as indicated by ceramic finds, and likely saw construction of a residential tower with a polygonal annex between 1250 and 1300. Its origins remain unclear, with no known builders, occupants, or noble family associated directly with the castle, and it was abandoned in the first half of the 14th century.

The castle's names probably derive from local field names rather than historical burgholders. Some speculate a possible connection to the nearby Lords of Lichtenstein, who resided at the south-located Lichtenstein double castle. Today, remnants of the residential tower, surrounding wall, and moat remain visible on the site, reflecting its former structure as a core castle with a courtyard and fore-castle.

The ruin sits among natural wooded surroundings above the town and serves as a historical, scenic site for visitors. The adjacent locality of Gauselfingen lies in the upper Fehla valley on the Swabian Jura at around 697 meters above sea level. This site, despite lacking detailed historical records, remains a notable medieval ruin in the Burladingen area.