Schloss Ehrenberg

Schloss Ehrenberg is a spur castle in Altenburg, Germany, positioned on a strategic hilltop and displaying neo-renaissance and neo-baroque design from its 1878-1880 reconstruction. The castle now serves a practical purpose, with its restored outbuildings housing the offices of a regional newspaper.

The castle was first documented in 1244 and passed through multiple owners after the local burgrave family died out in 1329. Between 1805 and 1816 the premises functioned as a cotton spinning mill, until a major fire destroyed the agricultural structures.

The castle structure demonstrates the evolution of German defensive architecture, incorporating elements from different construction periods spanning several centuries.

The castle is privately owned but visitors can explore the outer grounds and restored buildings that house the newspaper office. The location is easily reached from town and offers views across Altenburg from its elevated hilltop position.

Between 1805 and 1816 a cotton spinning mill operated on the castle grounds, a surprising industrial use for a medieval noble residence. This episode reveals how flexibly such fortifications were adapted to changing needs across different centuries.