Burg Braunsberg

Burg Braunsberg is a castle ruin in Anhausen situated on a hilltop at about 265 meters elevation, commanding views over the Aubach valley. The site shows the remains of a wide rock-cut ditch and a multi-angular residential tower, protected by steep slopes on three sides.

Bruno I of Isenburg constructed the fortress between 1179 and 1197 as the ancestral seat of the Counts of Wied through his marriage connection. In March 1945, American artillery fire caused significant damage to the walls during World War II operations.

The remaining stone walls and angular residential tower reflect how medieval nobility designed their fortresses to dominate the landscape. The structure shows the practical thinking of fortress builders who used natural hilltop locations to maximize control over surrounding valleys.

A forest management office occupies the buildings on the site, and access is via a walking path from the parking area at Am Heidengraben. The path is clearly marked and offers a straightforward walk with views of the surrounding landscape.

The damage from the 1945 artillery bombardment remains visible on the walls today, serving as a direct reminder of the war's impact on this region. These scars in the stonework connect visitors to the final stages of World War II and how conflict shaped the landscape.