Schnepfenburg Castle and District Court

The Schnepfenburg was built in Salzungen to protect the local saltworks. It was first mentioned in 1166. In 1295 the castle was besieged and taken by King Adolf of Nassau. It remained the official residence and also served as a court and prison. When the city burned in 1786, the Schnepfenburg was also destroyed. The castle, which today serves as the district court, and the town church were built on its foundations.

Not much remains of the Schnepfenburg, mentioned in 1166, which was intended to protect the graduation tower. It was used as an official residence and prison until 1786, then caught fire and was replaced by a castle. This now forms the district court. The Schnepfenburg was described as "insurmountable" and you can still explore the imposing walls above the castle lake today. The viewing platform is only closed at night.

The mysterious castle lake, with no water supply, always the same water level. To my knowledge, the bottom of the lake has not yet been found. It is a volcanic cave system. Where does the water come from?