Schauenforst Castle (Ruin) (Rödelwitz)

The exact construction period of Schauenforst Castle is debated, but archaeological findings suggest its erection no earlier than the 13th century. One theory posits that Landgrave Ludwig IV of Thuringia had the castle built around 1222/1223 during a conflict with Count Hermann II of Orlamünde. The first written mentions of the 'Lords of Schauenforst' as vassals of the Orlamünde family date back to 1281. Later, from 1338, the castle served as a residence for Heinrich V of Orlamünde. Although he lost his princely status in the Thuringian Counts' War, Schauenforst remained in his possession until his death in 1357. The castle changed hands multiple times until the mid-15th century and may have been damaged during the Saxon Fratricidal War. At the end of the 15th century, the Reussians from Plauen acquired the complex.