Scharzfels Castle

Scharzfels Castle, a medieval ruin near Scharzfeld in central Germany, sits atop a 20-meter dolomite rock above the Oder valley. Built in the 10th or 11th century, it remained impregnable for centuries. The inner ward, still partially intact, was carved into the rock, while the outer ward is now a terrace with a restaurant. A stairway leads to the upper ward.

First mentioned in 1131, it became an imperial fortress under Emperor Lothair. Over the centuries, it changed hands among noble families, including the counts of Scharzfeld, Hohnstein, and later the House of Welf.

Heavily fortified in 1627, the castle also served as a state prison. From 1695 to 1697, Eleonore of the Knesebeck was imprisoned there for aiding Princess Sophia of Ahlden. She famously escaped by being lowered down the cliff.

In 1761, during the Seven Years' War, the French captured the fortress after a ten-day siege and blew it up. Since then, it has remained in ruins.

Address
Herzberg am Harz, Germany

Established
11th century