ゲルンハウゼンの洞窟・トップ16

The renovation looks very strange. There are holes in some of the floor 😳

The castle near Eisfeld, near Coburg, has stood empty for 30 years. A model of sustainable use could save it from decay. It was built by Baron Hermann von Münchhausen, the founder of a stud farm for thoroughbred horses, whose achievements included winning the German Derby in Hamburg in 1894. The castle, constructed until 1904 in the Scottish country house style, was the benchmark work of the later star architect Karl Behlert, master builder at the court of Duke George II of Saxe-Meiningen. Architectural details can be found in Cecilienhof Palace in Potsdam, built in 1917. The burial site of the von Münchhausen family is also a listed building. The association seeks to find partners to preserve this cultural asset. The property is well suited for the establishment of a non-profit shared living community for senior citizens, possibly as a foundation jointly with the current owners and/or under a social services organization. For the time being, the club is collecting equity capital for a (partial) buyback.

In 1888, Baron Hermann-August von Münchhausen, a last descendant of the famous Münchhausen dynasty from Bodenwerder, settled as the new owner of the Bockstadt manor. First, the stud farm was established. In addition to the 38 hectares of pastureland, which provided the horses with plenty of space to roam freely, there was also a stud farm's own galloping track and a 30 x 60 meter riding arena for riders. Baron von Münchhausen bred the most successful thoroughbred horses of his time. Around 1900, Baron von Münchhausen commissioned the architect Behlert to build the new palace. After four years of construction, a spacious building in the Scottish country house style was built, surrounded by magnificent parkland, avenues, and ponds. The palace, on approximately 60,000 m2 of land, is privately owned, not accessible, and is for sale. Source: http://wbs.werra-burgen-steig.de/index.php/schloss-bockstadt.html

On the path leading up to Heldburg Fortress in Thuringia, you'll eventually come across a linden tree split in two. A sign is attached to the hollow of this tree, and I'd like to tell you about it now: "Castle Linden of Heldburg Fortress – Large-leaved Summer Linden. Wanderer, pause! Read my story here: In 1791, I was planted by the then Ducal Court Secretary, Johann Daniel Bechmann (1768-1826), from Heldburg. That's why I was also called the Bechmann Linden. Around 1960, lightning destroyed my beautiful crown and split the trunk. Duke George II of Saxe-Meiningen (1826-1914) and his wife, Baroness von Heldburg (1839-1923), often lingered in the shade of its spreading branches when they resided here at the fortress during the summer months." Source: https://menosgada.wordpress.com/2013/02/07/die-schlosslinde-der-veste-heldburg/

Eisfeld Castle, a Franconian manor house from the 9th century, is essentially a medieval castle complex. The Stone House (palace) was built around 1090 and the keep in the 12th century. The castle has undergone many changes over the centuries. Since 1316, with the privilege of walling the town, the castle has formed the north-eastern part of Eisfeld's new town. In 1360 the bower was built and in 1558 the "new building" was built, which opens onto the town through a vaulted gateway built in 1580 and today forms the gatehouse. The economic wing (kitchen wing), built in 1555, between the palace and bower, gave the castle complex a closed horseshoe shape. The kitchen wing was replaced in 1886 by a prison building in the Wilhelminian style. Source: https://www.museum-eisfeld.info/seite/318423/schloss.html

One of the landmarks of the town of Eisfeld is the castle, which is essentially a medieval castle complex. Today it houses the town's museum with an extensive porcelain exhibition, historical workshops, toys, town history and regional folklore. The museum is a treasure trove that is waiting to be discovered with many opportunities to try things out, marvel and learn. Take your time to discover Eisfeld Castle. The Eisfeld Museum also includes the Otto Ludwig Poet Memorial for the poet born in Eisfeld in 1813 and the Inner German Border Memorial - Eisfeld-Rottenbach Border Crossing, which are also worth a visit. Source: https://www.museum-eisfeld.info/

Baron Hermann-August von Münchhausen had the current castle built in 1904 in the Scottish country house style. The architect was Karl Behlert, who was also responsible for the theater in Meiningen. The castle was built as a new building to replace an old manor that the Baron bought in 1888 when he moved to Bockstadt with his American wife. Their wealth enabled him to build up a very important horse breeding operation here. He had already gained experience in the service of Prussia on stud farms such as Beberbeck. The castle initially remained in the family's possession, but was sold in 1938 and then expropriated in 1945. The castle has now stood empty for over 30 years. At the main entrance to the castle there is an information board about the founder and the history of the castle. Otherwise, the castle itself is hardly visible through the overgrown park and the wall.

The Helene castle restaurant has now opened and welcomes its guests. From the terrace you have a great view of the Gleichbergen, the Straufhain and the Henneberger Warte near Bad Rodach. The pictures were taken from the terrace around the new building. It's open Wednesday to Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., good to know.