Palaces and Castles

Evidence in stone of Thuringia’s eventful history can be found in over 400 palaces and castles throughout the region – symbolic of the rule of innumerable ruling counts, princes and dukes. Some are in ruins, others have survived in their full splendour, but they are all inviting for an excursion into Thuringia’s past.

In addition to the world famous UNESCO World Heritage Wartburg Castle, there is the imposing Baroque Friedenstein Castle in Gotha or the beautiful Dornburg Palaces plus many other splendid palaces and impressive castles. These palaces and castles not only provide homes to museums and art collections, some are also romantic palace hotels with medieval speciality restaurants, unforgettable and much loved locations for wedding receptions. Historic festivals, knights’ tournaments and jousting and medieval festivities are only a few of the possibilities that exist for experiencing Thuringia’s flair in previous centuries.