Castle Views and Trails

Scharfenstein Castle has a viewing point on its terrace and a 20-meter-high tower completed in 2016. The tower offers sweeping views of the Upper Leine Valley, the Eichsfeld Basin, the Ohm Mountains and the eastern Dün; on a clear day, you can see as far as the Harz Mountains. Hanstein Castle Ruins also combine history with panoramic views: from the accessible west tower, you can look out over Eichsfeld and the surrounding forests in clear weather. On a day with excellent visibility, the view reaches as far as the Brocken in the Harz Mountains. You can also explore the extensive remains of the ruins. The landscape of Eichsfeld is also characterized by wide fields and natural landmarks.

The Dün and Iberg hills around Heilbad Heiligenstadt are ideal for long hikes along certified TOP hiking trails. Leinefelde is the starting point of the Leine-Heide Cycle Route, which runs all the way to Hamburg. This gives you a choice of different ways to explore: hikes along named ridges or a cycling route with Hamburg as your destination.

History at Castles and in Towns

Bodenstein Castle was first mentioned in a document in 1098 and stands on a mountain spur in the Ohm Mountains. Guided tours on the history of the castle’s former lords of Wintzingerode are regularly offered there; you can also visit the small chapel with its baptismal angel. Check the current tour dates in advance. The Eichsfeld Museum, housed in the Baroque Jesuit College in Heilbad Heiligenstadt, explores the history, culture, religion and folklore of Eichsfeld across three floors. The castle tour focuses specifically on the former castle lords, while the museum offers a broader look at the region’s history and culture.

At the Eichsfeld Borderland Museum in Teistungen, a circular walking trail with original control buildings, vehicle barriers and signal fences brings the character of the former East German border to life. In Duderstadt, the medieval ramparts are fully preserved and invite you to stroll beneath old lime and chestnut trees. Historic half-timbered buildings and architectural highlights can also be found in the Eichsfeld towns of Dingelstädt, Duderstadt, Heilbad Heiligenstadt and Leinefelde-Worbis.

Traditions and Regional Cuisine

Every Easter Monday in Dingelstädt, children take part in the traditional hobbyhorse ride around St. Mary’s Church. Preschoolers ride wooden horses decorated with little bells and colorful ribbons. Heilbad Heiligenstadt has held an annual Palm Sunday procession for more than 400 years; life-size figures bring the Passion of Christ to life in a dramatic pageant. Since 2017, the procession has been included in Germany’s nationwide inventory of intangible cultural heritage.

Air-dried sausage is considered an Eichsfeld specialty and is known well beyond the region. At Scharfenstein Castle, visitors can also learn how the whisky showcased there is blended to a proprietary recipe, mashed and fermented, aged for three years in selected oak casks, and sampled at a whisky tasting. If you plan to attend a tasting, check the latest reservation details in advance.

Discover more destinations: Lindewerra, Kirchworbis, Uder, Teistungen, Heilbad Heiligenstadt, Schönhagen, Kleinbartloff, Gernrode, Berlingerode, Volkerode, Martinfeld, Breitenworbis, Niederorschel, Leinefelde-Worbis, Küllstedt, Wachstedt, Deuna, Am Ohmberg, Haynrode, Buhla, Marth, Asbach-Sickenberg, Bornhagen, Dingelstädt, Geismar, Bodenrode-Westhausen, Schimberg, Hohengandern, Lutter, Wahlhausen, Sonnenstein, Helmsdorf, Büttstedt and Mackenrode.

For the broader travel overview: Thuringia.