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Unstrut-Hainich-Kreis

Anrode

Top 6 Castles around Anrode

Castles around Anrode provide insight into the historical landscape of the region, which features medieval fortifications and significant historical sites. The area is known for its preserved structures that reflect centuries of regional development. Visitors can explore various types of historical architecture, from fortified castles to city walls.

Best castles around Anrode

  • The most popular castles is Scharfenstein Castle, a castle that offers views over the Eichsfeld. It features a terrace for visitors.
  • Another must-see spot is Frauentor, Rabenturm…

Last updated: July 1, 2026

Scharfenstein Castle

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Enjoying the view from the terrace over a coffee is great.

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The Frauentor is the only one of the former city gates of the inner city wall in Mühlhausen that has been preserved. In the immediate vicinity, from Herren-/Holzstraße, is the …

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Mühlhausen City Walls

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At the Frauentor there is access to the almost completely preserved city wall, which can be walked from here at about 330 meters. The view from the associated raven tower of the city and the Frauentor is wonderful.

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Gleichenstein Castle

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The castle is closed. After years of neglect, it is now being restored.

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Scharfenstein Castle is very beautiful, but the way there is tough .... 17% gradient, I don't need to say anything else

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March 31, 2026, Mühlhausen City Wall

The inner, oldest city wall of Mühlhausen was almost 2.8 kilometers long (of which 2.2 kilometers are preserved to this day) and enclosed an area of around 50 hectares. This area had the shape of a slightly rounded and not entirely regular rectangle, whose maximum east-west extent is almost twice as long (1000 meters) as its maximum north-south extent (500 meters). Its original structure included the four main gates, namely the Görmartor in the northeast, the Erfurter Tor in the southeast, the Felchtaer Tor in the southwest, and the Frauentor, named after the Marienkirche (=Frauenkirche), in the northwest, as well as probably four posterns: the Eselspforte and the Burgpforte on the north side, and the - unnamed - postern at the exit of Brunnenkreßstraße and another, only inferred, postern to Spielbergstraße on the south side. It is unclear whether the original main access to the castle via Breitenstraße was already closed with the construction of the wall between the castle and the city before 1251 or only after the demolition of the castle from 1256 onwards. As material for the inner (and later also outer) city wall, including the gates and towers, the travertine found in Mühlhausen and quarried here was used, a geologically young freshwater limestone. The inner city wall was constructed as a double-shell masonry. Its thickness up to the height of the rampart varies between approximately 1.5 meters and - reached only exceptionally - a maximum of 2 meters. Source: https://www.muehlhausen.de/tourismus/erkunden/sehenswuerdigkeiten/besondere-baudenkmaeler/stadtmauer/

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A castle that already has modern facilities

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A beautiful piece of contemporary history! Highly recommended!

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A visit to the historic fortifications is particularly worthwhile for families. The climb up the Rabenturm is rewarded with a beautiful panoramic view of the city and the surrounding area.

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The 2.2 km long city wall illustrates the defensive strength and importance of the former Free Imperial City. Mühlhausen thus has an almost completely preserved defense system. At the same time, it is also one of the oldest non-Roman city walls in the German-speaking world, as some of its components date back to the early 13th century. This inner fortification surrounds an area of 49 hectares, which is the second largest area monument in Thuringia after Erfurt's old town. Of the four city gates, the inner Frauentor from 1655 has survived to this day. The other entrances (the Erfurt and Felchta gates as well as the Görmartor) were demolished in the 19th century to make way for wider road access to the city center. The inner wall can currently be explored over a length of 370 meters. Some of the numerous defense towers and rondelles were later converted into pavilions. They house themed rooms on the historical use of the complex and on hazard prevention in the urban environment. The viewing platform of the Rabenturm (34.2 m) offers an impressive panoramic view of Mühlhausen and the surrounding area. Today, only the slender tower of the outer Frauentor from the 15th century remains of the original 5.6 km long outer city fortifications, which enclosed the suburbs and a total area of 182 hectares.

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If you're already doing the tour here, you should choose the old town option, although I lost the signs somewhere due to the many construction sites. Nevertheless, it is better because at least you can see something of the beautiful, venerable former imperial-free city.

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The Frauentor is the only one of the former city gates of the inner city wall in Mühlhausen that has been preserved. In the immediate vicinity, from Herren-/Holzstraße, is the entrance to the city wall, which is accessible for a length of around 370 meters. The climb up the Rabenturm is rewarded with a wonderful panoramic view of the city and the surrounding area. Further information at www.mhl-kultur.de and www.tourismus.muehlhausen.de.

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The city wall was originally 2.8 km long, 2.2 km have been preserved to this day, of which a little more than 300 m is accessible.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What types of historical sites can I explore around Anrode?

The Anrode region offers a variety of historical structures, including medieval fortifications, preserved city walls, and man-made monuments. You can visit sites like Scharfenstein Castle, which provides views over the Eichsfeld, or the historical Frauentor, Rabenturm and the City Wall of Mühlhausen, where you can walk along a section of the city wall.

Are there any family-friendly castles or historical sites in the area?

Yes, several sites are suitable for families. Scharfenstein Castle is categorized as family-friendly, and the Inneres Frauentor Mühlhausen, part of the city fortifications, is also noted as family-friendly. Exploring the walkable city wall at Mühlhausen can be an engaging experience for all ages.

What are the best times to visit the castles and city walls?

For sites like the Frauentor, Rabenturm and the City Wall of Mühlhausen, the walkable section of the city wall and the Rabenturm are typically open from Easter to early November, usually between 10 AM and 5 PM. It's always a good idea to check specific opening hours for individual locations before your visit, as some, like Gleichenstein Castle, may be undergoing restoration.

Can I find viewpoints with panoramic scenery at these castles?

Absolutely. Scharfenstein Castle offers beautiful views over the Eichsfeld from its terrace. Similarly, climbing the Rabenturm at Frauentor, Rabenturm and the City Wall of Mühlhausen rewards visitors with a wonderful panoramic view of Mühlhausen and the surrounding area.

Are there any castles currently undergoing restoration?

Yes, Gleichenstein Castle is currently undergoing restoration. First mentioned in 1180 and rebuilt in the 13th century, efforts are underway to make the entire complex accessible to the public again. It's planned to become the world's first hemp castle with a competence center.

What outdoor activities can I do near the castles around Anrode?

The region around Anrode offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous road cycling routes, such as the 'Unstrut-Werra Cycle Path' loop from Bickenriede, or gravel biking routes like the 'Bette Oak – Mühlhausen City Wall Park' loop. For mountain biking, there are trails like the 'Anrode Abbey – Kanonenbahn Cycle Path' loop. You can explore more options in the dedicated guides for Road Cycling Routes around Anrode, Gravel biking around Anrode, and MTB Trails around Anrode.

Are there cafes or restaurants available at or near the castles?

Yes, Scharfenstein Castle features a restaurant and a cafe, making it a good spot to enjoy the view with a coffee. The 'Whisky World at Scharfenstein Castle' is also located there, catering to those interested in fine spirits.

What do visitors enjoy most about the castles and historical sites in Anrode?

Visitors particularly appreciate the beautiful views, such as those from Scharfenstein Castle over the Eichsfeld, and the panoramic vistas from the Rabenturm in Mühlhausen. The preserved medieval city wall of Mühlhausen, which is walkable, is also a significant highlight for many, offering a unique historical experience.

Is there an admission fee to walk the city wall in Mühlhausen?

Yes, there is an admission fee to access the walkable section of the city wall and climb the Rabenturm at Frauentor, Rabenturm and the City Wall of Mühlhausen. It typically costs 5 EUR, and the system is open from Easter to mid-November.

What is the historical significance of the city wall in Mühlhausen?

Mühlhausen is notable for having one of the most complete medieval city walls still standing. The inner city wall, originally about 2700 meters long with 38 towers, was built around 1200. The Frauentor is the only one of the original seven inner city gates that has been preserved.

Are there any specific tips for visiting Scharfenstein Castle?

Visitors recommend enjoying the view from the terrace over a coffee. Be aware that the approach to Scharfenstein Castle can be steep, with gradients up to 17%. While the castle offers a great view, some visitors note that its modern conversion has altered its antique flair, making it particularly appealing to those interested in the 'Whisky World' located there.

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