Schloss Bärenstein, Medieval château in Altenberg, Germany
Schloss Bärenstein is a fortress in Altenberg, Saxony, with three irregularly arranged building sections built on a rectangular foundation. A distinctive round tower rises on the southern side and defines the complex's external appearance.
The Herren von Bernstein family built the original fortress around 1200 as a defensive structure in the region. The first written record of the building dates from 1324 and demonstrates its lasting importance as a stronghold.
The courtyard presents itself as a quiet gathering space where thick stone walls and arched passages shape the visual surroundings. The preserved rooms offer insight into how inhabitants moved through and inhabited this fortress over the centuries.
The castle has been in private ownership since 1995 and is not freely accessible to visitors. Anyone wishing to view the building must contact the owners in advance and arrange a specific time.
Between 1945 and 1990, the castle served as a training center and holiday retreat for officials of the East German state and its ruling party. This postwar use left its own marks on the site's history.
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