FALKENSTEIN, GERMANY – Burg Falkenstein, one of the most iconic medieval castles in the Harz Mountains of Saxony‑Anhalt, is gearing up to reopen to the public after an extended closure due to significant repair work and restoration efforts. The revamped timeline targets late March 2026 for welcoming visitors again after unexpected structural setbacks delayed earlier plans.
Unexpected delay after wall collapse
Originally scheduled to reopen in July 2025, the castle’s restoration timeline was disrupted after part of the outer curtain wall collapsed in January 2025 near the entrance known as the “Crooked Gate.” The damage created safety concerns that required extensive stabilization before reopening could proceed.
Experts from the Kulturstiftung Sachsen‑Anhalt and external consultants conducted thorough inspections, clearing debris and implementing reinforced supports and protective nets around the damaged masonry. These emergency measures were just the beginning of a comprehensive restoration that has now expanded into broader renovation work across the historic structure.
Preserving heritage
Since early 2025, Burg Falkenstein has remained closed to visitors while craftsmen and heritage specialists work to secure and restore the centuries‑old walls of the castle’s outer bailey and other vulnerable areas. The revised renovation plan prioritizes both structural safety and historic preservation, including careful reuse of original stones where feasible and the integration of traditional building techniques with modern conservation standards.
These efforts reflect broader initiatives to protect cultural landmarks across Saxony‑Anhalt and maintain Burg Falkenstein’s status as a cherished destination for tourism, education, and medieval history enthusiasts.
What you can expect in 2026
Once reopened, the castle will again offer visitors access to its museum exhibits, historic rooms, ramparts, and panoramic views over the Selke valley. Annual events, tours, and the beloved gastronomy options are expected to resume with the start of the 2026 season.
Burg Falkenstein, first built in the 12th century and perched dramatically above the Selke River, remains one of Germany’s most well‑preserved medieval hilltop castles, drawing tens of thousands of visitors each year.
Source: MDR
The Castles of Saxony-Anhalt
Kulturstiftung Sachsen‑Anhalt manages one of Germany’s most remarkable portfolios of historic castles and palaces, preserving and presenting eleven magnificent strongholds that span more than a millennium of history. These include medieval fortifications such as Falkenstein Castle, Konradsburg, Eckartsburg, and the expansive Neuenburg Castle near Freyburg, as well as Renaissance and Baroque residences like Schloss Bernburg, Schloss Köthen, Schloss Goseck, Schloss Plötzkau, Leitzkau Castle, and the 19th‑century Letzlingen Hunting Lodge. Each site reflects a unique story of regional power, architectural evolution, and cultural significance, offering visitors immersive experiences through museum exhibitions, historic interiors, and dramatic settings across Saxony‑Anhalt. Together, these castles and palaces embody the foundation’s mission to safeguard the region’s built heritage and make its rich past accessible to the public.
More information: kulturstiftung-st.de
