Burgruine Schauenforst, Medieval castle ruin in Uhlstädt-Kirchhasel, Germany.

Burgruine Schauenforst is a medieval castle complex perched on a narrow ridge near Uhlstädt-Kirchhasel. The ruin stretches in a long, slender form across the terrain and still shows the outlines of towers, walls, and fortification structures.

The castle was probably built in the 13th century, possibly as a successor to an older fortification on the nearby Eichberg. The Lords of Schauenforst from the Meldingen family are first recorded in 1281 as vassals of the Counts of Orlamünde. In 1338 Heinrich V of Orlamünde resided there; after the Thuringian Counts' War he kept Schauenforst as his only fortress and lived there until his death in 1357.

The ruins show how medieval people built and defended fortifications on challenging terrain. You can still observe how the narrow layout of the complex allowed defenders to watch and repel attackers from multiple angles.

The northern approach offers the easiest access to the ruins, where ancient defensive structures and trenches remain clearly visible. From there, you can explore the grounds and connect the different sections of the former complex.

The drawbridge did not separate the outer bailey from a main keep: it spanned the gap between the outer bailey and the main castle, beside the large round tower that still dominates the site. The outer bailey, probably a farmyard, was partly protected by double walls.