Heinrichsberg Castle

Heinrichsberg Castle was built by the Counts and later Princes of Anhalt to protect the surrounding foundries. From 1307, the castle passed as an Anhalt fief to the Counts of Stolberg. Under their rule, it served as a base for highwaymen who made the passing Harz road unsafe. In 1344, the castle was conquered by Counts Dietrich and Heinrich von Hohnstein, who executed the resident robbers. The feudal letters for the Stolbergs were renewed in 1377 and 1381. Thereafter, the castle fell into disrepair and was already referred to as a “desolate castle” in 1491. In the 16th century, after its acquisition by Count Botho zu Stolberg, the castle's possessions were administered from the newly established Bärenrode office.