Burg Greifenstein, Medieval castle in Bad Blankenburg, Germany

Burg Greifenstein is a fortress on hilly terrain in Bad Blankenburg with sprawling ruins distributed across multiple levels. The complex includes different building sections, including residential areas, service buildings, and defensive walls that show the layout of a medieval castle.

The oldest credible document mentioning the castle dates from between 1196 and 1210, and by 1208 it belonged to the Counts of Schwarzburg. A 1547 source records three fires and increasing decay; by around 1560 the relocation of the administrative office to Rudolstadt marked the beginning of the end. The name Greifenstein only came into use in the mid-17th century.

The castle serves as a venue for events and houses a restaurant where visitors can dine within historic rooms. The location draws people interested in old structures and the stories they hold.

Visiting requires good footwear, as the site has steep stairs and uneven paths across multiple levels and terrain. The on-site restaurant provides a good opportunity to rest and get refreshments while enjoying the views.

The name Greifenstein only came into use in 1625; before that the castle and hill were called Blankenburg. A 1547 document records three fires and steady decay, with only an official from Rudolstadt staying there during the grape harvest. From 1860 the palace ruin was converted into an inn with a hall.