タバルツの洞窟・トップ18

beautiful views in the park of Altenstein Castle

Altenstein Castle was built in 1736 as a residential palace (country house) for the Dukes of Meiningen and expanded after 1800 as a summer residence. The castle is set in extensive parkland, Altenstein Park. With an area of approximately 160 hectares, it is one of the largest historic parks in Thuringia. The 15-hectare core of the park surrounds the castle, the main attractions, and the adjacent, intensively maintained meadows and borders. This area is enclosed by a protective fence to protect it from wild boar and other wild animals.

Very beautiful and well-kept grounds. The flowerbeds right next to the castle are almost like works of art.

The Liebenstein castle ruins tower high above the city. Currently closed for renovation work.

Even though only ruins and the keep remain of the almost thousand-year-old hilltop castle, a visit to the observation tower is worth the climb. With a bit of luck, the visit will coincide with one of the cultural events there during mid-summer.

The ruins, which rise majestically above the dense forests, bear witness to the eventful history of the region. The castle was first mentioned in documents in 1137 and is considered one of the oldest stone castles in western Thuringia. Their story, which tells of the objects of exchange and dispute between various noble families, can be felt in every stone. The climb to the castle was an experience in itself. Surrounded by the lush nature of the Thuringian Forest, along clear streams and across sunny meadows, the path led to the ruins. The area around Scharfenburg is a true hiking paradise, full of natural beauty and historical treasures. The natural caves and evidence of late medieval mining in the area were particularly impressive. One of the highlights of my visit was the impressive keep in the center of the castle complex, which today serves as a lookout tower. From the tower I had a breathtaking view of the surrounding landscape, including the Inselsberg, the Wartburg and the Hörselberge. The tower's observation deck, which was restored in 2006 and equipped with modern elements, offered a unique panoramic view that was more than worth the climb. The Scharfenburg, now a registered cultural monument and owned by the city of Ruhla, is not only a popular excursion destination, but also a venue for various cultural events. The historic atmosphere of the ruins, combined with the picturesque surroundings, make it a place full of magic and history.

It's also worth taking a look into the dungeon🙃

Opening hours: April-Sept. 9am-8pm and Oct-March 10am-4pm ... the view is great 😊 it's worth it