Burg Dölau, Medieval castle ruins in Greiz, Germany

Burg Dölau is a castle ruin situated on a rock above the White Elster river, with remaining fortification walls and a residential tower. The structure sits elevated above the waterway and continues to be a visible landmark in the landscape.

The Lobdeburg family probably founded the castle in the 12th century; by 1288 it belonged to the Reussen of Plauen at Greiz. In the 16th and 17th centuries the building served as a granary. From 1694 to 1743 it was the residence of Heinrich XVI of Greiz and his sons, the Reuss line of Greiz-Dölau, until Dölau was merged with Obergreiz in 1743 and the castle abandoned.

The site is deeply connected to the Reussen family, who ruled here for centuries and shaped the region from this location. Their presence left lasting marks on how the area developed and was governed.

The grounds are privately owned and have been under restoration since 2010, so access is limited. Visitors should inquire beforehand or view from a distance to avoid disrupting ongoing work.

The castle's kemenate-like residential building was modernised in a way unusual for its period, and the former moats around the rock have since been filled in. After 2010 a private owner had the deep ditch-and-rampart system partly re-created, under the supervision of the monument protection authority.