The castle with the highest keep in Germany 

In the early Middle Ages, there was no distinction between Niederroßla and Oberroßla. This only took place in the 12th century. The moated castle was probably built in Niederroßla at the same time. 

The builder

A document from 1119 mentions a nobleman, Diethmarus von Roßla, for the first time. He came from a Franconian noble family and it was probably he who had the moated castle built. The location on an Ilm arch proved to be a favorable factor, providing the castle with additional protection to the west and north. From there, water was channelled into the moat, which was 20-30 m wide and up to 6 m deep. The oldest part is the keep, which is thought to date from the 13th century. Its current height is 57 m - making it the highest keep in Germany! 

Major conversions

Parts of the north and east walls also belong to this historical period. Major alterations were carried out in the 15th and 16th centuries. The first floor and second floor of the east wing with a coffered ceiling and the remains of a beamed wall date from this period. There is a restored wooden ceiling from this period in the north wing. In 1620, the 2nd upper floor was added to the east wing. 

In 1738/39, the Duke of Weimar, Ernst August, had considerable alterations carried out, which lasted until 1947. Subsequently, the southern outer bailey was demolished and the moat was filled in, leaving only the core castle standing. 

In 1956, the castle was listed as a historical monument and restoration work began 10 years later. The castle became a cultural center and 5 apartments, a gym and a communal kitchen were built. A gable collapse on the east wing of the castle on April 1, 2008 made extensive safety and reconstruction measures necessary in the following years. 

The castle today

is a gem in the Weimarer Land region and is lovingly maintained by the people of the village. It is the home of the Niederroßla Castle and Heritage Association. The Knights' Hall, which was completed in 2015, is used for events in the popular village and hikers and cyclists can enjoy coffee and cake in the former gatekeeper's parlour at weekends and make themselves comfortable in the castle courtyard.