Discover the mysterious Elsterberg castle ruins in Vogtland!

Discover the mysterious Elsterberg castle ruins in Vogtland!

The Elsterberg castle ruins, a fascinating piece of Saxon history, await visitors with mysterious stories and impressive architecture. Around 150 kilometers west of Dresden, on the northern edge of the old town of Elsterberg, sits this impressive ruin, which, with an area of ​​over 1.5 hectares, is one of the largest castle ruins in Vogtland. How dresden.t-online.de According to reports, the castle was built between 1200 and 1225 by the Lords of Lobdeburg and to this day has powerful walls, some of which are over ten meters high and were built from rough quarry stone.

The site not only houses a walkable battlement, but also the remains of the former main building, whose knight's hall and a 26-meter-deep castle fountain discovered in 1932 attract curious history lovers. According to legend, an underground passage and a leather bridge, also known as a ladder bridge, connected the castles “das Altes Haus” and Elsterberg; however, there is no evidence to support this narrative like that Wikipedia documented.

Of pigs and expansion work

The castle's turbulent history dates back to the 14th century, when it was destroyed in 1354 during the Vogtland War. It was rebuilt by 1366 and supplemented with a double curtain wall and five defensive towers. Despite numerous changes of ownership, most recently with Carol Bose from 1636 to 1736, the castle began to decline in 1698 because it was no longer inhabited. The ruin in need of renovation was purchased in 1909 for 13,000 marks by the municipality of Elsterberg, which took care of its preservation.

As the mixing of stories shows, the castle remained an exciting attraction. It has been a listed building since 1967 and is regularly renovated. Various events are organized for those interested in culture, including medieval markets, guided tours and concerts, which give the castle new splendor. The local festivals, which have been held since 1883 and are captivating more and more people with the spell of history, are particularly popular.

A visit of a special kind

Thanks to the careful restoration work, visitors can now explore the Elsterberg castle ruins on a walk from the parking spaces at the foot of the ruins - entry is free! The Burgruine Elsterberg Association organizes exciting tours that bring even the most mystical stories of the castle to life. Over the years, the Elsterberg castle ruins have developed into a popular destination for excursions from the surrounding area, where history and nature combine harmoniously.

The unique atmosphere, the mighty walls and the fascinating legends make a trip to the Elsterberg castle ruins an experience that should not be missed. So pack your hiking boots and discover this hidden gem of Saxony!