The remains of the former Scharzfels Castle lie on a dolomite rock rising some 150 m above the Oder Valley near the village of Barbis.
The castle dates back to the 12th century, with the first historical mention dating back to 1131. It originally belonged to the Count of Scharzfeld, whose family ruled in and around Scharzfeld until the end of the 13th century. The castle was later inhabited by the Counts of Hohnstein before finally being taken over by the Duchy of Grubenhagen in 1593.
After a ten-day siege by 6,000 to 11,000 men of the French general Vaubecourt, Scharzfels Castle had to be handed over to him in 1761, was set on fire and finally blown up. This marked the end of the history of Scharzfels Castle.
It is a good idea to hike to the Scharzfels castle ruins from there after visiting the unicorn cave HWN 101.
