Burg Torstein

Burg Torstein is a castle ruin in Bad Tabarz located on a small rocky cliff approximately 80 meters above Lauchagrund. Preserved wall sections and a defensive ditch system are still visible, showing how the site was fortified on its mountain spur.

The site shows evidence of human settlement dating back to prehistoric times, with major construction work occurring during the 13th century. This transformation into a castle made the location an important part of the region's medieval defense network.

The name Torstein comes from a natural porphyry rock formation on the northern side of Kleiner Wagenberg. This distinctive stone gate was a landmark that shaped how people understood and used this mountain location.

Access to the castle is from a shelter at Dürre Wiese, from which a path leads upward to the site. The walk is straightforward and takes visitors directly to the main fortified area.

The castle covers a large area with preserved structural elements and fortification features that demonstrate how substantial the medieval stronghold was. This expansive layout is unusual and reveals how medieval builders designed protection on mountain terrain.