Winterstein Castle Ruins, Sächsische Schweiz-Osterzgebirge, Germany

The Winterstein, also called the Hinteres Raubschloss, is an isolated, elongated rock massif in the hinterland of Saxon Switzerland in East Germany. On the summit there was once a medieval castle, of which remains such as rebates for timber beams, hewn-out steps and cisterns are still visible. It was probably built by Berka von Dubá noble family in the 13th century.

User Reviews

Sven Drechsel (11 months ago)
it is not that easy to get up there, but the view with which you are rewarded is incredibly beautiful and absolutely worthwhile!

Michael Dietrich (12 months ago)
Great view. Not quite as crowded as some other rocks. Relatively many ladders for ascent / descent, whoever likes it ?

Vera Adamcikova (12 months ago)
Beautiful views a little more challenging way But the views are worth ...

Glen Grande (15 months ago)
Really very impressive, just the way there. The sandstone rocks ..., awesome.

Tawny Owl (4 years ago)
A good climb. Fantastic. Fairy tale landscape. Breath-taking view from the top.

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Photo from Flickr, copyright Noémie 59

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The Château d'Olhain is probably the most famous castle of the Artois region. It is located in the middle of a lake which reflects its picturesque towers and curtain walls. It was also a major stronghold for the Artois in medieval times and testimony to the power of the Olhain family, first mentioned from the 12th century.

The existence of the castle was known early in the 13th century, but the present construction is largely the work of Jean de Nielles, who married Marie d’Olhain at the end of the 15th century.

The marriage of Alix Nielles to Jean de Berghes, Grand Veneur de France (master of hounds) to the King, meant the castle passed to this family, who kept it for more than 450 years. Once confiscated by Charles Quint, it suffered during the wars that ravaged the Artois. Besieged in 1641 by the French, it was partly demolished by the Spaniards in 1654, and finally blown-up and taken by the Dutch in 1710. Restored in 1830, it was abandoned after 1870, and sold by the last Prince of Berghes in 1900. There is also evidence that one of the castles occupants was related to Charles de Batz-Castelmore d'Artagnan, the person Alexandre Dumas based his Three Musketeers charictor d'Artagnan on.

During the World War I and World War II, the castle was requisitioned first by French troops, then Canadian and British soldiers. The current owner has restored the castle to its former glory.

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