Bornhagen brings together three distinct interests: the history of the Hanstein Castle ruins, the sausage-making tradition of the Klausenhof and the Hanstein–Teufelskanzel circular trail. Consider whether historic sites, Eichsfeld food culture or exercise on a marked trail should be the focus of your trip. You can weigh these themes alongside one another when planning, without having to turn them into a fixed itinerary.
Hanstein: historical mention and the view of two castles
A castle on the site of today’s Hanstein Castle ruins was first mentioned in writing in 1070 in connection with its destruction. This date marks an early written mention, not a recorded year of construction. The Hanstein Castle ruins and the Hessian Ludwigstein Youth Castle together form the view of two castles, which symbolically represents the division and reunification of Germany. The historical reference to the castle site and the symbolic interpretation of the two castles thus offer two different ways of approaching history.
The trail around the castle hill
The Hanstein–Teufelskanzel TOP hiking trail circles the castle hill at Hanstein along a natural meadow path and then follows the former service road used by the border troops. The circular trail starts at the Alte Wirtshaus “Klausenhof” in Bornhagen. The route keeps two aspects distinct: the meadow path describes the first section, while the service road that follows refers to its former use by the border troops. A white T on a green background marks the trail throughout; information boards explain its route. Check current trail conditions before setting out.
Sausage culture at the Klausenhof
At the Klausenhof’s Sausage & Home Butchery Museum, butchering tools, pictures and exhibits spanning more than three centuries illustrate sausage-making. Expert-guided tours cover Feldgieker sausage, butchering and traditional customs. The subject therefore ranges from the product and its production to the customs associated with butchering.
At the Klausenhof, you can sample various home-butchered sausages, including Eichsfeld Feldgieker and freshly prepared minced pork. Arrange these offerings with the operator in advance. The museum and the tasting have different focuses: the museum centres on production and customs, while the tasting features the named varieties.
A broader look at Eichsfeld
The wider Eichsfeld destination broadens the view to include castles, historic towns, open fields, natural monuments, and cycling and hiking trails. The Eichsfeld towns of Dingelstädt, Duderstadt, Heilbad Heiligenstadt and Leinefelde-Worbis offer historic half-timbered architecture and architectural features of special interest. Regional food culture also has its own distinctive place: air-dried sausage is considered an Eichsfeld speciality and is known beyond the region’s borders.
Another historic landmark in Eichsfeld is Bodenstein Castle. It was first mentioned in a document in 1098 and stands on a mountain spur of the Ohm Mountains. By comparison, Hanstein’s 1070 mention refers to a castle on the site of today’s ruins and is associated with its destruction. The two dates relate to different castles and record two distinct historical statements.
Discover more destinations: Bodenrode-Westhausen, Am Ohmberg, Volkerode, Asbach-Sickenberg, Lindewerra, KĂĽllstedt, Heilbad Heiligenstadt, Buhla.
For the wider travel overview: Eichsfeld.
