Upper Schlosspark Area (Achteckhaus and Marstall), Sondershausen

The upper parking area is adjacent to the upper parking lot. Here is the ensemble of octagonal house and stables. The octagonal house is often used for events. The long music tradition of Sonderhaus is maintained there, including the annual Sondershausen Castle Festival that takes place in June / July. The Thuringian State Music Academy, which has a national and international reputation, is located in the building of the former Marstall. On the right in front of the Marstall there is a horse pond. It was built in the middle of 1853 as a "bathtub" for the horses placed in the stables, at the request of the head stable master Wurmb. It was connected to the castle fountain's water supply system. In 2003, the largely preserved structure was uncovered and repaired during earthworks to restore the Marstallplatz.