Burg Großbodungen

Burg Großbodungen is a fortress with four wings arranged across three stories around a narrow rectangular courtyard. A defensive tower about 27 meters high stands as the most prominent feature of the entire complex.

Construction began in the 12th century under Heinrich IV von Hohenstein and the fortress passed through various noble families over the following centuries. From the 17th to early 19th century it served as a royal residence for the Princes of Schwarzburg-Sondershausen.

The chapel inside the tower features a ribbed vault ceiling that shows how worship and daily life were integrated into the fortress. You can see from the varied architectural styles how the structure evolved and expanded over many centuries.

The fortress is private property owned by the Westphalen family and cannot be entered, but the grounds and nearby hiking trails are accessible to visitors. The surrounding hills offer good vantage points to view the exterior and explore the landscape.

The fortress has been owned by the Westphalen family since 1920, making it one of the longest continuously held private properties in the region. This stable family stewardship has helped preserve the medieval structure intact over more than a century.