Burg Ehrenstein, Medieval castle ruins in Ilmtal, Germany
Burg Ehrenstein is a castle ruin in the Ilmtal valley, perched on a limestone cliff and featuring multiple stone structures from different periods. The site comprises various building sections and fortifications that developed over the course of several centuries.
The castle was built between the 11th and 14th centuries and served as a seat for the Counts of Schwarzburg. During conflicts between rival noble families, the fortress was damaged and later never fully rebuilt.
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe visited the castle in August 1777 and created drawings of the ruins, connecting the site to German literary heritage.
The ruins are accessible on foot and offer views across the surrounding valley. Visitors should be aware of uneven ground and exposed stone edges, especially during wet weather.
Goethe visited the ruin in 1777 and recorded his impressions through drawings, providing a visual record of how the site appeared at that time. These sketches are now valuable sources for understanding the structure's earlier condition.
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