Burg Arnstein

Arnstein Castle takes you back in time and gives you an insight into its rich history and impressive architecture. The preserved ruins of one of the largest former medieval castle complexes in the Harz Mountains are a historical jewel. Its secrets lie hidden like a thick veil covering the historical development. This is because there is contradictory information about this important site. However, there is a surprising consensus that it was built in the 12th century.

Changing lords of Arnstein Castle

Walter II von Streußlingen was the first documented owner in the 12th century. In the old writings, he is listed as "Walter von Arnstein", as he had himself named after the castle. Over the centuries, it was inhabited by various owners from the Falkenstein, Regenstein and Mansfeld families. The Mansfeld-Vorderort line took over the castle in 1420 and lived there until around 1637.

When stones tell history

Arnstein Castle in the Harz Mountains has witnessed numerous historical events. Serious consequences of the Peasants' Wars led to a reconstruction around 1530 under Count Hoyer IV and a further extension in 1563 under Count Johann Albrecht. It was raised by two storeys, extensively remodelled and given the character of a castle. The kitchen and castle church were rebuilt and some of the spiral stones created at the time remain today as silent witnesses to this historical phase. The captivating architecture combines Romanesque (ring towers and curtain wall), Gothic (hall storey building) and later elements.

The silent force on which history rests

The volcanic rock diabase, on which Arnstein Castle was built on a hill on the outskirts of Harkerode, was formed over millions of years by the slow cooling of magma, giving it its characteristic structure, colour and hardness. The architects of the past utilised the unique properties of this rock to create castles of exceptional durability. Arnstein Castle thus became a symbol of symbiosis with nature.

Decline and rediscovery of Arnstein Castle in the Harz Mountains

The historic castle began to fall into disrepair in the early to mid-17th century. After a fire and the extinction of the family of counts, only a few tenants continued to use the castle grounds commercially.

The Barons Knigge, owners of the property in the 19th century, did everything in their power to ensure that Arnstein Castle did not fall into oblivion. They took extensive security measures and opened the castle ruins, which were in a state of severe disrepair at the time, to tourists. Repair work continued into the 1930s in order to preserve the castle. Since 1992, a dedicated local heritage association has been responsible for the upkeep of this impressive ruin.

Exciting discovery for visitors

Visitors to the Arnstein castle ruins in the Harz Mountains can do without souvenir shops and snack stands and instead enjoy breathtaking panoramic views and unique vantage points free of charge. The ruins in the Harz Mountains attract a wide range of visitors, from passionate photographers and keen hikers to those who simply want to explore and marvel at the splendour of these ancient walls. The castle ruins, which can be accessed via an elaborately restored spiral staircase, and the remains of farm and residential buildings as well as a mystical chapel invite visitors to linger and still bear witness to the castle's once enormous dimensions.

The historical relic has been used as a film set in several movies and on Walpurgis Night it still comes to life amidst hundreds of visitors.

How to reach the castle and discover its secrets

The castle ruins can be reached via various paths from both idyllic Sylda and dreamy Harkerode. From Harkerode, it is a longer walk. If you can hardly wait for the fantastic view, take the picturesque short path from the car park on the road between Sylda and Harkerode.