Burgruine Arnstein

Harkerode, Germany, Germany

---

Burgruine Arnstein near Harkerode in Saxony-Anhalt's Mansfeld-Südharz district, Germany, is a large medieval hilltop castle ruin on a 210-meter diabase spur overlooking the Einetal valley at the Harz Mountains' edge.

First documented in 1156 as the seat of the Lords of Arnstein—descended from Swabian nobility—it began as a Romanesque fortress with eastern round towers and ring walls, evolving through Gothic expansions around 1400 and Renaissance upgrades by the Counts of Mansfeld in the 16th century, including a five-story palas tower, church, kitchen house, and spiral staircases.

Owned by families like Falkenstein, Regenstein, and Mansfeld until Prussian times, it declined after the 17th century, becoming a romantic ruin preserved since the 19th century with local efforts, now offering scenic views, accessible vaults, and events.