Ridge castle

A ridge castle (from the German word Kammburg) is a medieval fortification built on a ridge or the crest of mountain or hill chain.

Ridge castles were not a common type of fortification. While castles of this type were relatively well protected, they had the disadvantage that they could be attacked from two sides. The similar spur castle, located at the end of a ridge, is protected by drop offs on three sides.

For mutual protection, several such castles could be built within sight of one another.