Can you still visit Scharzfels Castle today?

The upper ward on the rock has been closed to the public since 2019 due to the risk of collapse, though the surrounding grounds and the former outer ward remain accessible.

Why was Scharzfels Castle considered impregnable?

It sits on a dolomite outcrop with sheer rock faces about twenty metres high, which kept it safe from capture for centuries until the siege of 1761.

Who destroyed Scharzfels Castle?

French troops captured it after a ten-day siege during the Seven Years' War in September 1761 and blew it up a few days later.

When was Scharzfels Castle built?

It was probably built in the 10th or 11th century and was later expanded several times, notably in the 17th century when it became a garrisoned fortress.

Scharzfels Castle

Bad Lauterberg im Harz

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Where: Bad Lauterberg im Harz

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Burg Scharzfels stands in Bad Lauterberg im Harz (Landkreis Göttingen), in Lower Saxony, Germany. Its opening hours and prices have not been verified at the source yet.

Scharzfels Castle rises above the Oder valley near Bad Lauterberg im Harz, set on a twenty-metre dolomite outcrop that once made it seem unassailable. Built in the 10th or 11th century, it passed through the hands of the Archdiocese of Magdeburg, several noble counts and the House of Welf before French troops finally captured it in 1761 after a ten-day siege and blew it up. What remains today are fragments of the former palas and tower, along with tunnels and chambers cut directly into the rock, including a corridor some fifteen metres long.

Written from Scharzfels Castle

What to know

Access to the upper ward on the rock has been closed since 2019 because of the risk of collapse.
A visit involves a walk through woodland and a climb up a 19th-century stairway to the rock.
An excursion inn stands on the site of the former outer ward, now a level terrace.
The north face of the dolomite rock is used for rock climbing.
The site is a checkpoint in the Harzer Wandernadel hiking network.

Practical information

Opening hours

Monday (today)	Closed
Tuesday	Closed
Wednesday	Closed
Thursday	11:00-18:00
Friday	11:00-18:00
Saturday	11:00-18:00
Sunday	11:00-18:00

Opening hours published by the château on its Google listing. We have not yet confirmed them on its official website.

Visit duration: Not verified
Wheelchair access: Not verified
Dogs: Not verified
Parking: On the B243 to Scharzfeld, parking is available at the foot of the hill

On site

Food and drink

Where this château is

Bad Lauterberg im Harz · Landkreis Göttingen · Niedersachsen

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This châteauChâteaux within 40 km

Address

Schlossbergweg, 37431 Bad Lauterberg im Harz

Directions open from wherever you are, by car or public transport.

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Château phone number

+49 5524 997099

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The safest check before setting off: today’s hours, guided-tour availability, where to park.

4.4 / 5from 1,653 Google reviews

Heritage status: Protection status unknown

In pictures

Frequently asked

Can you still visit Scharzfels Castle today?: The upper ward on the rock has been closed to the public since 2019 due to the risk of collapse, though the surrounding grounds and the former outer ward remain accessible.
Why was Scharzfels Castle considered impregnable?: It sits on a dolomite outcrop with sheer rock faces about twenty metres high, which kept it safe from capture for centuries until the siege of 1761.
Who destroyed Scharzfels Castle?: French troops captured it after a ten-day siege during the Seven Years' War in September 1761 and blew it up a few days later.
When was Scharzfels Castle built?: It was probably built in the 10th or 11th century and was later expanded several times, notably in the 17th century when it became a garrisoned fortress.