Burg Falkenstein

Falkenstein Castle towers over the Selke Valley and offers a unique view over the Harz Mountains at around 350 metres. The hilltop castle was built at the beginning of the 12th century, making it one of the oldest medieval castles that can be visited in the region. To reach Falkenstein Castle, you have to complete a 1.9-kilometre hike. However, you can also use the Falkensteiner Bimmelbahn, which takes visitors up to the museum complex and back again at regular intervals.

About the origins of Falkenstein Castle

According to legend, Falkenstein Castle was built as a result of a murder. Around 1080, a nobleman named Egeno II von Konradsburg is said to have slain Count Adalbert II von Ballensted in a dispute. The exact reasons for the dispute are unknown. Some historians are of the opinion that there were political motives. Other historians believe that Egeno II appropriated lands from Adalbert II. Adalbert II.

Until this time, the Konradsburg family seat was located south of Ermsleben. As punishment for the murder, however, Egeno II had to hand over the castle to the church and convert it into a Benedictine monastery or a monastery of the Augustinian choir.

Egeno's son, Burchard von Konradsburg, then arranged for a new castle to be built. He chose a mountain spur above the Selke valley for its location, which was also known as "Falkenstein" because of the falcons that lived there. There was already an abandoned castle in the neighbourhood, which Burchard von Konradsburg had destroyed before construction began around 1115. The new Falkenstein Castle was then built between 1120 and 1180 and the Konradsburgs renamed themselves the Lords of Falkenstein.

The changing face of the castle

Falkenstein Castle gained historical significance between 1220 and 1235. At this time, Count Hoyer von Falkenstein is said to have commissioned his subordinate Eike von Repgow to write down the rights and laws applicable in the area. The result was the so-called Sachsenspiegel, which is considered to be one of the first law books of the Middle Ages. The book also laid the foundations for the laws that apply today.

In 1437, Counts Bernd VI and Busso von der Asseburg received Falkenstein Castle as a reward for their military services. Count Bernd VI is regarded as one of the greatest builders of Falkenstein Castle. Among other things, he is said to have commissioned the complete rebuilding of the south wing at the beginning of the 16th century. Around 1592, his descendant August von Asseburg commissioned further remodelling work. He is also considered the builder of the Thalmühle mill at the foot of Falkenstein Castle.

After the Second World War, Falkenstein Castle became state property. It was opened to tourists in 1946 and gradually converted into a museum over the years. Falkenstein Castle has been part of the "Palaces, Castles and Gardens of Saxony-Anhalt" foundation since 1998.

Medieval atmosphere

If you visit Falkentstein Castle, you may notice that it is still relatively well preserved. The castle has survived the turbulent times in Germany without suffering too much damage. Accordingly, it offers visitors an authentic insight into the architecture of the 12th century. The entire castle complex measures approx. 310 metres x 90 metres and is divided into different areas. The castle courtyard, also known as the "core castle", measures 40 metres x 40 metres. It is surrounded by three smaller outer castles and a number of kennels. On the way to the castle courtyard, you have to pass through seven ancient gates. Here you can see the former defences with which Falkenstein Castle protected itself against enemy invaders. If you complete the ascent to the 31-metre-high keep, you will be rewarded with a view over the Selke valley in all directions.

Also worth seeing is the 15th century castle kitchen, which is located in the southern part of the museum complex. It is one of the last kitchens in the country that is still fully functional. Here you can get an impression of how the lords of the castle were catered for in the past.

In keeping with its name, Falkenstein Castle has its own falconry centre, which offers daily flight shows between March and October. In addition to eagles and falcons, various species of owls are also among the stars of the show and will delight you with their flying skills.

If you get hungry while exploring the castle grounds, you can fortify yourself in the "Altes Tor" castle restaurant. Among other things, the restaurant offers a traditional knights' meal that leaves nothing to be desired.

Trivia about Falkenstein Castle

When you visit Falkenstein Castle, you may get the feeling that you have seen the medieval walls somewhere before. This is not far-fetched, as the castle has been used as a location for several television productions. Among other things, the fairytale film "Snow White and Rose Red" was shot in the castle grounds in 1979. The castle was also used as a backdrop for the GDR series "Spuk unterm Riesenrad".

Events such as the Minne Tournament, which takes place in summer, always attract large numbers of visitors to the grounds of Falkenstein Castle. Since 2006, the best minstrels from Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Italy have been competing in their medieval singing skills. In autumn, the castle comes back to its former glory with the Knights' Games. Here you can watch the thrilling jousting battles or the ride through the fire. At the medieval market, you can also buy many handicrafts and medieval delicacies.

If, on the other hand, you want something a little more hands-on, you should visit the events organised by the Midgards Feuerbund. Here, knights fight each other with swords, axes and morning stars, while jugglers and other showmen entertain you with tricks.

The evening tours at Falkenstein Castle are a little quieter, but no less exciting. Here you can admire the castle in a completely different light as you listen to the sagas and legends and round off your visit to Falkenstein Castle.