Ahlsburg

Ahlsburg is a castle ruin perched at 483 meters elevation on steep granite cliffs above the Ecker River valley in the northern Harz Mountains. The remains are scattered across the narrow ridge and still show the foundations of former buildings.

Emperor Charles IV granted this stronghold to the Alard brothers in 1357 through a formal deed. The fortress served as an imperial post responsible for enforcing hunting laws across the surrounding forests.

The name reflects the medieval rulers who held this place. Today the remaining walls show how important this location was for controlling the valley.

The ruin can be reached by a steep uphill walk from the Ecker River crossing and requires some scrambling over granite rock. The path starts at the river level but becomes increasingly exposed as you climb toward the summit.

The location sits on an extremely narrow ridge where the Ecker River curves around it on three sides, creating an almost fortress-like natural barrier. This arrangement made the stronghold appear nearly impregnable, even though only stone remains and far-reaching views survive today.

Location: Ilsenburg

Inception: 1357

GPS coordinates: 51.86750,10.62080

Latest update: December 9, 2025 20:26