Schloss Neuenburg has a commanding view over the Unstrut river, the river that witnessed the defeat of the Magyars by Henry I in 933. Though prior to the appearance of this castle, it was Henry's policy of building numerous castles in this area that led to his successful defense against the invading Hungarians. The castle was built beginning in about 1062 by landgrave Ludwig the Leaper to defend his territories. It continued to expand and the fortifications strengthened under Ludwig's descendants for almost 200 years to become the strongest in Saxony-Anhalt.

Above, center, the cobblestone road along the western side of the castle eventually leads to the northern-most point (above, right) that overlooks Freyburg. This is the same point of the castle visible at the top of the photo (above, left) showing the castle above the town and river.

  Above, in the center of the photo, is the west gate house and the Lion gate house.

Left, architect Konrad Fischer showing the ground plan for the castle. Mr. Fischer spent 5 years applying his long-developed techniques to restoring the castle.

Today Neuenburg is beginning to enjoy the fruits of many years labor and expense, as is Freyburg below. The cost of renovation might have been prohibitive weere it not for the non-traditional methods developed by architect Fischer. Herr Fischer's website, listed here, includes hundreds of other links and is in English in many areas. Click here for Konrad Fischer, restoration architect.

More history coming soon.