Grasburg - ruins as witnesses of bygone times

A larger car park directly at the castle pond in Rottleberode forms the start and end point of this route. Along the pond, swans, ducks, great crested grebes, and other water birds can be observed. Typical insects of the habitat, such as dragonflies, backswimmers, and water striders, can also be discovered here.

At the end of the castle pond, the so-called 'Lazy Pond' adjoins, which with its flooded forest offers a special atmosphere. The route continues to a wildlife enclosure where you can see the king of the forests – the red deer. This species is native to the surrounding forests but is shy and only rarely seen in the wild.

A bridge crosses the Krebsbach brook before a short but steep ascent to Grasburg follows. There are remains of an early historic fortification as well as a late Romanesque pilgrimage church.

On the return, information boards provide details about local flora and fauna and about the area at Alten Stolberg. A field path leads back to Rottleberode. Along old walls, you reach the castle pond again, accompanied by a magnificent, historic linden avenue. Between the two ponds, a narrow path leads back to the other shore before a paved path finally returns to the starting point of the route.

Motorway A38, exit Berga towards Stolberg/ Rottleberode.

By train to Berga, from there continue towards Stolberg by bus to Rottleberode.

Large gravel car park at the castle pond in Rottleberode.