Burg Arnstein

Burg Arnstein is a castle ruin standing on volcanic diabase rock with preserved ring towers, a curtain wall, and hall buildings in Romanesque and Gothic styles. The site includes remains of kitchen and church sections, along with visible evidence of multiple construction phases layered throughout its structure.

Walther II von Streußlingen was the first documented owner in the 12th century and took the name Walther von Arnstein for his family line. His descendants expanded and modified the fortress across multiple generations to meet changing needs.

The ruins demonstrate how medieval residents fortified hilltop positions and adapted them over time. Walking through the grounds, you can see how construction methods evolved as the castle was rebuilt and expanded across different eras.

The ruins are accessible via multiple walking paths starting from the villages of Sylda and Harkerode, each offering different lengths and perspectives. Shorter routes work well for quick visits, while longer trails give you time to explore the entire site.

In 1530 and 1563, the castle underwent major restructuring with residential and church areas elevated and completely rebuilt from the ground up. These reconstructions remain visible in the structure today, showing how the fortress adapted to the needs of its era.