Burg Greifenstein: A Medieval Castle Ruin in Germany

Visitor Information

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Official Website: www.burgschänke-greifenstein.com

Country: Germany

Civilization: Medieval European

Site type: Military

Remains: Castle

History

Burg Greifenstein is a medieval castle ruin located near the town of Bad Blankenburg in modern-day Germany. Built by the Germanic peoples of the Middle Ages, its site shows evidence of much earlier human activity stretching back to the Neolithic era.

According to local tradition, the fortress originally known as Blankenburg was established under the direction of King Henry I between 925 and 932. He is said to have ordered Margrave Günther to construct the stronghold as part of a defensive system against Magyar (Hungarian) and Hun incursions. Archaeological evidence confirms that the site was fortified by the 12th century, beginning as a settlement of simple clay dwellings surrounded by wooden defensive works such as ditches and palisades.

The earliest reliable written records date the castle’s existence to the late 12th or early 13th century. By 1208, it was firmly held by the Counts of Schwarzburg, who played a major role in the region’s governance during the Middle Ages. The name “Greifenstein” emerged only in the 1600s, replacing the original name Blankenburg. During its peak in the 14th century, Burg Greifenstein served as the residence of the Schwarzburg dynasty. One notable figure, Günther XXI, was born here in 1304; he was briefly elected as an anti-king in 1349 but quickly stepped down. The extinction of the Günther family line in 1357 triggered internal disputes over the castle’s ownership and began its gradual decline.

From the 14th century onward, the castle’s military and administrative significance diminished. The Schwarzburg rulers increasingly preferred to live in more comfortable urban residences, leading to reduced upkeep. By around 1560, the local government moved to the nearby town of Rudolstadt, signaling the start of Burg Greifenstein’s decay. The structure endured several fires by 1547 and underwent partial restorations in 1612 and 1664, likely intended to maintain its defensive potential amid regional conflicts. However, key features such as the main tower collapsed in 1785 and finally fell by 1800.

In the 19th and 20th centuries, efforts to stabilize and revive the ruins began. Restoration initiatives started in 1821, and a guesthouse was established by 1860. Around 1900, the Burggemeinde association was founded to promote preservation, collaborating with academic circles to reconstruct significant parts of the palace and surviving tower between 1925 and 1928. Since 1962, voluntary groups have continued conservation work. From 2018, a falconry was introduced on the site to demonstrate birds of prey and support wildlife rehabilitation, adding a new cultural dimension to this historic landmark.

Remains

Burg Greifenstein occupies a large hilltop plateau measuring approximately 250 meters by 100 meters and covers about 25,000 square meters, making it one of the largest castle ruins in Germany. Its layout features a pentagonal defensive wall erected during the 12th or 13th century, which expanded the initial fortifications eastward. The castle stands atop Greifenstein hill at an elevation of 390 meters, overlooking the surrounding landscape within a nature reserve area.

The original fortified settlement consisted of clay-built houses protected by defensive earthworks including ditches, ramparts, and wooden palisades positioned on the northwestern part of the hilltop. As the castle grew, stone walls replaced earlier timber structures, forming a continuous barrier encircling the complex. This curtain wall was accompanied by a ditch and a zwinger, an outer ward area designed for providing an additional layer of defense. Further reinforcing the castle’s protection were six round bastions integrated into the walls, alongside a ring moat that enhanced security against attackers.

Water supply was secured by two wells located within the ditch system and a cistern beneath the central courtyard, illustrating advanced planning for prolonged sieges. Access to the interior was improved with a southern entrance featuring a double gate and a portcullis, a heavy gridded gate that could be dropped to block passage.

The southeast section of the castle contained a notable round tower along with a chapel and several residential and economic buildings. These features likely represent a significant mid-14th-century expansion and modernization, reflecting the evolving needs of its inhabitants. Constructed predominantly from stone, some parts of these structures were carefully rebuilt during the 20th-century restoration campaigns.

Although the main tower itself collapsed in stages by the late 18th and early 19th centuries, portions have since been reconstructed and preserved, particularly those undertaken during the 1920s efforts. Today, visitors can observe restored sections of the palace and tower standing among the well-preserved curtain walls and bastions. The site also hosts a guesthouse capable of accommodating around 30 people, including an adjoining hall suitable for larger gatherings.

Archaeological investigations have uncovered the remains of various building phases and fortification elements, confirming the long history of occupation from simple early dwellings through to a fortified medieval residence. Oral traditions link the castle with early defense against nomadic raiders and with noble dynasties such as the Schwarzburg counts, whose influence shaped the site’s development and ultimate decline. Collectively, these remains speak to the complex and layered history of Burg Greifenstein as both a military fortress and noble residence.