Burgruine Reichenbach

A steep ascent from Retterode (Hessisch Lichtenau), a lengthy line of steps in the forest, a gap in a circular rampart and then you see it: the castle keep of the Burgruine Reichenbach. It was built in the middle of the 11th century CE and was important in the past as it is close to the border between the states of Hesse and Thuringia.

Ownership of the castle changed multiple times and it was used until the year 1490. In 1550 it was destroyed by order of Charles V., the Holy Roman Emperor, only two towers remained. One of them collapsed in 1820, the other was restored until the year 1901 as a viewpoint. That’s the state you can still find today, in the last century the walls were maintained, a roof and a staircase were added.

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The ascent is a bit painful, but the path up is good and the views from the top of the tower are worth the sweat. Next to the tower you’ll find a rest area and you can discover the remains of the ramparts and the castle.

Burgruine Reichenbach
Hessisch Lichtenau
Germany