Nature & Sights in Thuringia

The extensive Altenstein castle park is one of the most beautiful landscape parks in Germany. The former summer residence of the Meiningen dukes impresses with wide meadows, old trees, romantic paths and the magnificent architecture of the castle.

Particularly worth seeing are the historical Hofmarschallamt, the Rittermal and the fascinating Altenstein Cave, which is located directly beneath the park.

Throning above the town of Bad Liebenstein on the Burgberg (460 m above sea level) lies the historical Liebenstein castle ruin. The former hilltop castle on the southwestern slope of the Thuringian Forest looks back on a long history.

A short climb from the hotel rewards you with a fantastic panoramic view over the Werra valley to the Rhön. The ruins are a perfect destination for a short walk in the late afternoon or evening.

The nearly 1000-year-old Wartburg is arguably the most famous castle in Germany and a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1999. Martin Luther translated the New Testament into German here, and Saint Elisabeth spent a large part of her life here.

The impressive castle complex offers not only deep insights into German history but also fascinating architecture and art treasures in the famous art chamber.

South of Eisenach is one of Thuringia's most exciting natural monuments: The Dragon Gorge. Over millennia, the water of the Marienbach has dug through the red rock to create a gorge-like ravine.

For a length of almost 3 kilometers, you hike over grates directly above the babbling brook. At its narrowest point, the gorge is only about 70 centimeters wide - an adventurous experience for the whole family.

The more than 1100-year-old town of Schmalkalden enchants visitors with its almost completely preserved historical town center. Over 90 percent of the late medieval half-timbered houses are lovingly restored.

Visit the magnificent Renaissance castle Wilhelmsburg, stroll through the narrow streets, admire the historical town hall and try the original Schmalkalden nougat (Viba Nougat World).

The artificially created Trusetal Waterfall plunges over 58 meters into the depths and offers an impressive natural spectacle. Visitors can climb up the waterfall via 228 steps and enjoy the view (turned off in the winter months).

Directly adjacent is the Trusetal Dwarf Park, a popular destination especially for families with children.

The Kittelsthal Dripstone Cave is located in the Ruhla district of Kittelsthal and is one of the most important show caves in Thuringia. Via 228 steps you descend into the fascinating underworld.

In the large dome grotto, visitors admire impressive stalactite formations, impressive sinter terraces and small underground lakes. An exciting destination, not only in bad weather.

In the leisure park mini-a-thür in Ruhla, you can experience all of Thuringia in one day. The park shows detailed miniature models of the most famous historical buildings in Thuringia on a scale of 1:25.

From the Wartburg to the Erfurt Town Hall to the Zeiss Planetarium Jena - an exciting tour for young and old. The Ruhla summer toboggan run is also attached.