Kranichstein Hunting Lodge

Landgrave Georg I had this hunting lodge built in Baroque style near Kranichstein in the north of Darmstadt in 1578. Star-shaped aisles were cut in the surrounding forest to make hunting easier. Nowadays you will find a hunting museum and a hotel in the venerable building. The place is also often used for weddings.

The Kranichstein hunting lodge was built in the Renaissance style from 1578 for Landgrave Georg I of Hessen-Darmstadt. Landgraves Ernst Ludwig (1667-1739) and Ludwig VIII (1691-1768), who were enthusiastic about hunting, organized hunting festivals here and had the building adapted to baroque ideas. Star-shaped aisles were created for hunting in the nearby forest. Ludwig VIII also had the Dianaburg hunting lodge built. The complex was used for hunting for over 350 years. The last Grand Duke Ernst Ludwig had all hunting equipment and accessories collected in 1917 and rededicated the castle to a museum with the theme of hunting. Today the complex is home to the hunting museum and a hotel. 🚴‍♂️🚴‍♂️

wandern-im-odenwald.kruemelhuepfer.de/ziel/sehenswuerdigkeit/jagdschloss-kranichstein

This also includes the "bioversum Kranichstein", an exhibition on biodiversity.
"The bioversum Jagdschloss Kranichstein complements the mission of the Hessischer Jägerhof Foundation to preserve and convey the landgrave's hunting heritage. It deals with the biological view of the cultural and natural historical heritage and the conveying of their living diversity." Definitely worth a visit for families!
jagdschloss-kranichstein.de