Burg Neuenstein (Saasen)

Burg Neuenstein stands on a hilltop in the Knüll range at 343 metres above sea level. The medieval fortress overlooks the autobahn cutting below, yet the site feels remote. It was built in the 13th century by Albert I, count of Wallenstein, who had earlier lived six kilometres away on the older Burg Wallenstein. The new castle first appears in records in 1267 as Neuwallenstein, when Albert II traded rights with the abbot of Hersfeld. The Wallenstein family soon split into rival lines, and by the 14th century half the castle belonged to Simon von Wallenstein while the rest was held by other local knights. The fortress earned a reputation for robbery and had to be destroyed in 1318 by a coalition led by the abbot of Hersfeld and Landgrave Otto I of Hesse. Simon rebuilt it in 1357 after switching allegiance to Hesse. After the Wallenstein line died out in 1521, the castle passed through many hands and was rebuilt in the 17th century. Only the 28-metre bergfried, with walls up to two metres thick, survived the demolition of the defences after 1745. Today the castle is known as Schloss Neuenstein and houses a modern conference centre. The nature park Knüll runs its office from the former palace. Two farm buildings from the 18th-century estate still stand on the slope opposite. The high keep offers views across the Knüllgebirge, while inside the converted halls host meetings and events.