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Castles

Ruins of the Raubschloss (Old Castle)

Castles

Ruins of the Raubschloss (Old Castle)

Highlight • Historical Site

Ruins of the Raubschloss (Old Castle)

Recommended by 77 hikers out of 78

This Highlight is in a protected area

Please check local regulations for:

Naturpark Thüringer Wald

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Location: Gräfenroda, Ilm-Kreis, Thuringia, Germany

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Best Hikes to Ruins of the Raubschloss (Old Castle)

4.9

(17)

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1. View of Schneekopf – Mountain Trail to Dörrtal loop from Geraberg

15.2km

04:33

430m

Hard hike. Good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.

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Hard

4.9

(16)

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2. Mountain Trail to Dörrtal – View of Schneekopf loop from Dörrberg

14.5km

04:10

350m

Hard hike. Good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.

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Hard

4.9

(9)

hikers

3. View of Schneekopf – Trail to Geratal Viewpoint loop from Geschwenda

7.48km

02:11

200m

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Moderate

Tips

Melanie

July 17, 2018

For centuries, the ruins of this castle were hidden in the forest. The Dörrbergische Forstmeister Carl Brückner had the remains of the wall excavated by his forestry workers with the approval of the Gothaische Staatsregierung from 1905 to 1908.
From the history and the owners of the castle is not known anything.
It is believed that the castle was one of the 66 robber baron castles, which were destroyed in 1290 by Emperor Rudolf of Habsburg and the Erfurt citizenry.
(Source: Information board at the ruin)

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Patrick🌲

January 21, 2025

Robber's castle or "Alteburg" 🏰

Legendary ruin from the High Middle Ages ⚔️
The so-called "robber's castle", which is the subject of several legends from the Thuringian Forest, is also often referred to as "Alteburg". The ruin is a rectangular fortification from the High Middle Ages that served to protect the former trade route from Erfurt across the Thuringian Forest to southern Germany.
The rampart in the east, remnants of the ring wall (reconstructed), the cistern and the moat are still preserved today. The castle was probably built in 1150 by the Counts of Käfernburg.
The name "robber's castle" seems to be based on the fact that the complex passed into the possession of robber barons several times during various battles in the 13th century.
The ruins are a popular tourist destination. It is located on the western spur of the Arlesberg in Gräfenroda between Dörrberg and Geschwenda on the northern edge of the Thuringian Forest, above the Erfurt-Oberhof-Suhl railway line, which runs through the valley of the Wild Gera.

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Elevation 640 m

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Monday 15 December

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Max wind speed: 7.0 km/h

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Location: Gräfenroda, Ilm-Kreis, Thuringia, Germany

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Ruins of the Raubschloss (Old Castle)

1. View of Schneekopf – Mountain Trail to Dörrtal loop from Geraberg

2. Mountain Trail to Dörrtal – View of Schneekopf loop from Dörrberg

3. View of Schneekopf – Trail to Geratal Viewpoint loop from Geschwenda

Other Popular Places to Check Out

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