Heilbad Heiligenstadt - Burg Hanstein
Burg Hanstein is a castle fortress ruin of the early Middle Ages and one of the largest such ruins in Central Germany.
The fortress was built in the 9th century.
In the Middle Ages the fortress served as refuge for robber barons who ambushed traders in the nearby Werratal woods. During the Thirty Years War, it was partially destroyed by Swedish troops and since then has not been permanently inhabited.
Due to its location direct on the interior German-German border, the North Tower of the fortress was used by GDR border troops as an observation post. Since 1985 historic preservation work has been carried out on the ruin, supported by the local culture association..
Tourist-Information
Wilhelmstraße 50
37308 Heilbad Heiligenstadt
Germany
