Lobenstein Castle (Ruin) (Bad Lobenstein)

The high medieval Lobenstein Castle is located above the center of the city to the right of the Lemnitz on a conical hill. It served to monitor traffic on the connecting road from Leipzig to Bamberg. An Otto von Lobenstein was mentioned in 1250 as a representative of the castle. This is also the first documented mention of Lobenstein. In the 13th century, the fortress belonged to the bailiffs of Gera. It then remained a residence until 1601, since 1597 in the possession of the younger Reuss line. Around 1600, the castle was in severe disrepair. The Reuss family then moved into the palace. During the Thirty Years' War, the castle played a brief role. In 1632, imperial troops stormed the complex occupied by the Swedes. Today, the keep and remnants of the ring wall still bear witness to the castle.