Burgk Castle

Schloss Burgk stands on a rock plateau above the Saale River in the Thuringian Highlands. The castle dates from about 1403 and belonged to the House of Reuß until 1945. It overlooks the village of Burgkhammer and the reservoir below. The site is reached by two stone bridges that once served as drawbridges. The schloss preserves many medieval features, including the original palas and bergfried. The castle’s medieval details include a chamber where a dog was walled in during construction about 400 years ago. The mummified dog is displayed behind glass at the entrance. A medieval parlour dating to 1402 was discovered in 2016 when a Baroque wall was opened. The castle chapel and kitchens remain well preserved, with the kitchen chimney still intact. The Red Tower at the western end has a timber-framed top in the Late Renaissance style. South of the schloss lies a mid-18th century French-style park. At its centre stands the Sophienlust pavilion, built in late Baroque and Classicist styles. A covered chemin de ronde runs along the walls, offering views of the surrounding landscape. The preserved medieval and Renaissance elements make the castle a rare example of princely life from past centuries.