Harburg (; Swabian: Horburg) is a town in the Donau-Ries district, in Swabia, Bavaria, Germany. It is situated on the river Wörnitz and on the southeastern edge of the Ries meteorite crater in the UNESCO Global Geopark Ries. The town is part of the scenic route called "Romantische Straße" (Romantic Road) with one of the most impressive remaining medieval castles in Germany. History Etymology The name of the town is usually interpreted as deriving from the Middle High German term horo, meaning "Swamp or bog". Harburg Castle would be a castle above the swamp. However, the soil conditions in Harburg speak against this thesis. In the local dialect Harburg is still referred to as Hore. This could be the German word for horn, which indicates the shape of the castle hill. Harburg Castle would thus be a castle on a hill with a horn shape. Middle Ages In 1093 the name Harburg appears for the first time by Mathilde de Horeburc, the wife of Count Kuno of Lechsgünd. In the Staufian period, the castle Harburg belonged together with the settlement to the Reichsgut. As early as 1250, the town received market rights, but the following year it was pledged by King Konrad IV to Count Ludwig III of Oettingen. A further pledge of the castle and town took place in 1299 by King Albrecht I to Count Ludwig V of Oettingen. The Imperial Eagle appeared as coat of arms for the first time in 1290. In 1418, the town and castle finally came into the possession of the Counts of Oettingen, who used it as a residence under Count Wolfgang I (1455-1522) and his son Karl Wolfgang (1484-1549). Main sights Harburg Castle Harburg Castle, which stands on a crag overlooking the town, is the landmark of Harburg. It is a extensive medieval complex from the 11th and 12th centuries and the condition of the 18th century has largely been preserved. Harburg Castle was first mentioned in 1150 by the Staufer Henry Berengar as an imperial castle. During the history it has never been seriously damaged by war. Unlike many other German castles which were built in the last 200 years or rebuilt after World War II, Harburg Castle retains the feel of the Middle Ages. Today the castle belongs to the Prince of Oettingen-Wallerstein Cultural Foundation. It offers daily guided tours through the castle from mid-March to the end of