The "Oberschloss" is overlooking this little town and caught ny attention immediately.
Because of the heat I was really happy that I did not have to walk all the way up and the parking lot was only a few steps away from this castle. Luckily it was also not Monday because I would have found locked doors. Soon I became aware that ruins formed the major part of this castle which looked to me like a real fairy tale castle. What a place to show it in a movie!
The entrance fee was very moderate an knowing that I had to climb stairs and lots of walking I bought some refreshments first and talked to friendly girls who did all the selling.
Sitting on one of the seat benches I enjoyed great sights on the country side. I had absolutely no intentions to rush through this attraction because I was already sure that this germ would be included in our Internet travel guide for Thuringia. We never will be able to see everything in this "new" state of the reunited Germany, but we can at least give you an idea what to expect.

This court in front of the castle is occasionally used for events. Unfortunately none of them took place during my visit to Kranichfeld.
You can see the bridge which you must use to enter the castle.

The foundations of the castle date back to the 12 th century. Many changes took place over the years. Some major ones in the 19 th century when people discovered their love to castles and renovations are still going on. Pledges are welcome and if you do so, your name may be posted.
When you visit the castle you will see all the efforts to save it for future generations. These activities began already in the eighties initiated by concerned citizens and the leadership of the "Täglich family". Volunteers spent thousands of hours, by cleaning up everything and improving safety and the government of the former GDR provided financial support.
The hazards by collapsing walls etc. were also eliminated and the good work went on until it was interrupted for a little while after the unification of Germany.
Please be always aware of the tremendous work which had to be done to make this jewell accessible to the public again.

One of the recent success stories of renovating the "Oberschloss" are the stairs in the huge tower which is called the "dicke Turm". They have been paid by named donors. Now you can enjoy a great sight from top of this tower which dates back to the time when the original castle was built.
Parts of the castle have been already restored and are used for events and for displaying artifacts and documents about the history of the "Oberschloss". Unfortunately again - only in German!
You can see pictures of the castle when it was destroyed by a huge fire in 1934. The owner lost his interest in keeping it after that despite the payment from the insurance company.
For that reason it was taken over by the SS and prisoners from the near by concentration camp Buchenwald had to do the required renovations.

What a great place to enjoy a medieval feast. It is offered as part of special events or when you book it. Tour operators should think about it.