Regenstein Castle in Blankenburg is a historic ruined castle in the German Harz region. Here you can walk around and think back to times gone by. There are also several nice hiking trails, including some very special sandstone caves.
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Regenstein Castle in Blankenburg
Regenstein Castle (Burg und Festung Regenstein) is a popular tourist destination, hosting an annual knights' tournament and festival. Even on other days of the year, you can check out the remains of the once mighty castle.
Borgen Regenstein is a castle ruin located three kilometres north of Blankenburg, in the German state of Saxony-Anhalt.
Regenstein Castle - history since the Middle Ages
Regenstein Castle was built in the Middle Ages on a 294 metre high sandstone cliff to be impregnable to enemies. The Count of Regenstein, Conrad, was first mentioned in 1162. The castle later became most famous under Count Albert II of Regenstein (1310-1349) who had regular disputes with the rulers of the surrounding towns.
In the 15th century, the Regenstein counts moved to Blankenburg Castle and Regenstein fell into ruin. After one of the last descendants, Count John Erasmus of Reinstein-Tattenbach, was hanged in 1671, the county was confiscated by Elector Frederick William of Brandenburg.
From 1671 onwards, the medieval castle was developed into a fortress by the Prussians, who used it for military purposes. In 1757, the fortress was taken over by the French and further expanded. When it was recaptured by the Prussians in 1758, it became unusable.
Today only ruins are visible, but you can still see the remains of several rooms, towers and the mill that once existed here.
Visiting Regenstein Castle
Today, Regenstein Castle in Blankenburg is one of the popular attractions in the Harz region. If you come here on a normal day, you can, for a small fee, climb the stairs, rooms and towers and see some exhibitions. On certain days, history is brought to life in various ways, including knightly games and festivals.
Because the sandstone is so soft, there are marks of everyone who has walked here before us. In some places the marks of shoes are deep, and it's dizzying to try to think of all the people who have walked here before us.
As you climb higher and higher, you also get great views of the places below. For example, you can see the bright spots where there are sandstone caves, and where you can hike.
It can also be good to know that there is a restaurant. We didn't eat here, but we could see that the view was nice and there was a steady stream of guests.
Hiking trails and sandstone caves
When visiting Regenstein Castle, you can also take the opportunity to walk several different hiking trails. Several of the trails start from the car park, and when we were here, you could get a map at the cash desk of the castle.
Nature is green and beautiful, and if you want to see something a little more special, you can choose one of the trails that go past the sandstone caves. Already on the way to the most famous caves you can see some smaller caves, which made us think about how life might have been for people in the Stone Age...
After a little while, a place filled with sand and stones opens up, called "Heers". It is said that in prehistoric times the Germanic tribes used this place as a meeting place. In the Middle Ages and until the end of the 19th century, the site was used to extract pure white sand.
It reveals very special sandstone formations, with deep cavities and large caves.
Although it was quiet here, we were far from being alone. It was obvious that many people like this place. And yes, we can understand why, the place really does offer delicious and different nature!
Where can I park my motorhome?
There will be a car park in Blankenburg, called Schnappelberg car parkbut we have not tested this. There are also pitches in, for example, Wernigerode and Thale.
A film from Regenstein Castle
More to see and do in the neighbourhood
There is much to see and do in the neighbourhood of Regenstein Castle. Not far away are the charming and beautiful towns of Quedlinburg, Wernigerode and Goslar. You also have the opportunity to experience great nature in the Harz region, for example in Thale or at Germany's longest suspension bridge. The interesting city of Magdeburg is also not too far away.
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Have you visited Regenstein Castle?
Have you visited Regenstein Castle in Blankenburg? Tell us about your experience!
Facts about Regenstein Castle
- Country: Germany
- Federal Republic of Germany: Saxony-Anhalt
- Circle: Landkreis Harz
- Read more: You can find more information at Blankenburg website.
Journey to Regenstein Castle
- Flight: Fly to Leipzig, Hannover or Berlin and continue by train or car hire.
- Car: You can take the Öresund Bridge and drive to Regenstein Castle (less than 8 hours from Malmö). Other options include taking a ferry, for example Finnlines Malmö-Travemünde, Nynäshamn-Rostock, Göteborg-Kiel or Rödby-Puttgarden.
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BP says:
Gorgeous rock formations. The stones on the beach look like entrances to bunkers or caves.
05 June 2022 - 20:19
Helena says:
Aren't they delicious? Different place!
06 June 2022 - 15:23