Scharfenstein Castle

The origins of Scharfenstein Castle date back to around 1250, with the von Waldenburg family believed to be the original builders, though only their initial ownership is confirmed. The Waldenburgs controlled a territory stretching from the Pleiße River to the Ore Mountains ridge, which included Scharfenstein. Nine villages owed tribute to the castle lords. After the destruction of Greifenstein Castle in the 15th century, Scharfenstein took on additional protective functions for other towns, increasing its value. This led the Elector to seize the territory in 1439 due to the Waldenburgs' debts. In 1492, Heinrich von Einsiedel acquired the castle and its associated villages, and the von Einsiedel family remained its owners until 1931. A fire on the night of June 1-2, 1921, destroyed large parts of the residential and social wings, which were partially rebuilt between 1921 and 1923 according to plans by Bodo Ebhardt.