Güntersburg, Medieval castle ruin in Harzgerode, Germany

Güntersburg is a ruined castle on the 485-metre Kohlberg hill above the Selke valley, about 2 km southwest of Güntersberge. The site covers roughly 3 hectares and probably included a fortified settlement beside the castle. To the northwest, a rampart and a 150-metre-long ditch remain visible; to the southeast, the slope falls steeply into the valley. The foundation walls of two gatehouse towers can still be made out.

This settlement began in the 11th century and first appeared in written records during the early 14th century. By the late 16th century it was already abandoned and gradually became the ruin we see today.

The name Güntersburg does not come from a documented ruler; the site is first recorded around 1326 as "Slot auf dem Kohlberge". A legend tells of robber barons who held the castle, and of a merchant's daughter who appears to wanderers at midnight with her bunch of keys.

The ruin lies on the 485 m Kohlberg above the Selke valley, about 2 km southwest of Güntersberge. A rampart and a 150 m long ditch are still easy to make out on the northwest side, while the southeast side drops steeply into the valley. A nature trail passes the site, and a wooden box holds special stamp no. 7 of the Harzer Wandernadel.

A wooden box on the ruin grounds holds special stamp no. 7 for the Harzer Wandernadel's castles and palaces badge, collected alongside a booklet of Harz history sites. The site also inspired a legend: a merchant's daughter, taken by robber barons, is said to appear to walkers at midnight, her bunch of keys once cursed a monk.