You can climb to the top of the jungle on the treetop path. And everything is different up here: the sound of birdsong is more powerful, the air and light purer, the leaves softer, the sky closer. The treetop path in the Hainich National Park leads right through the foliage of stately deciduous trees to above their treetops. The path gently reveals the secret of the otherwise inaccessible tree giants.

Over a length of 540 m, the treetop path winds its way from the lower canopy up to the tops of the primeval forest treetops. The treetop path is therefore particularly exposed to wind and weather. Particularly in winter and on very stormy days, it can therefore be closed due to the weather. Please inform yourself in advance!

The Haineck, which is probably one of the last medieval castles built in Thuringia, was erected above Nazza, around 1 km north of the village, on the tongue of a Hainich ridge, with its northern edge lying directly on the steep slope down to the Nazza valley.

It is said to have been built by Landgrave Balthasar around 1392 as a protective castle against the predatory raids of the Eichsfeld and Mühlhausen tribes. As the cornerstone of a land defense system, it secured the north-western border of the Landgraviate of Thuringia against the possessions of the Archbishops of Mainz.

From the castle tower you have a great view over the landscape. The castle is located on the Hainichland Trail and the Haineck cycle path. It is open to the public.

The Possen is surrounded by meadows and beech woods. The octagonal timber-framed tower, which was built in 1781 and is the highest (44.8m) of its kind in Germany, is a popular observation tower.

The Possen leisure and recreation park is very popular with its numerous animal enclosures, large playgrounds, bouncy cushion play area, petting zoo, indoor and adventure playground. A high ropes course invites courageous people on several levels to balance, climb and try the Big Swing. Little ones (from around 3 years of age), can put their climbing skills to the test in the children's climbing garden, which is surrounded by safety nets.

A beer garden and restaurant awaits its guests in the former royal hunting lodge. There is a large kiosk/snack bar, as well as the option to stay overnight in the bungalow village. The Possenturm (with a height of 44.80 m the largest half-timbered tower in Europe) is both a landmark and a lookout tower.

German-German history can be experienced in the Schifflersgrund border museum. The former border crossing was opened as a border museum on 3 October. Some citizens had prevented the border installations from being dismantled quickly after the border was opened. Thus, the BT-9 observation tower and about 1000 meters of border fence with control strip and column path were preserved.

Many other exhibits have been collected over the years, such as an original border control house, vehicles and helicopters. The museum impressively shows how inhumane the system of border security of the GDR, the so-called "Iron Curtain" was.

"KOFUKU NO NIWA" - the garden of bliss fascinates with its Far Eastern atmosphere and symbolic design. The garden contains different areas that reflect the love for the different landscapes of the Japanese islands and the seasons. Its image is characterized by typical Japanese tree and plant species, two classical pavilions and a pond landscape where colorful koi majestically float. The garden attracts visitors in spring with lush cherry blossoms, in summer with an imposing azalea landscape and in autumn with flaming red maple trees. With its bamboo grove and dry landscape, the Japanese Garden is a jewel of the total of ten gardens in Bad Langensalza.

Our spacious grounds, including monastery buildings that stand in the tension between medieval monastery church from the 12th century and the modern Christ Pavilion from the EXPO 2000, offer you a variety of possibilities for your seminar or conference. Let yourself be inspired by the special monastic atmosphere of this wonderful place and take advantage of the tranquility of Volkenroda Monastery for a stay! Whether leisure, family reunion, seminar, conference, class trip or other events, contact us. We will be happy to advise you!

The Drachenschlucht is a gorge near Eisenach in the Thuringian Forest in the nature reserve "Wälder mit Schluchten zwischen Wartburg und Hohe Sonne". The gorge is located in the south of Eisenach, between the southern edge of the town (Hotel Sophienaue) and the forest village of Hohe Sonne am Rennsteig. This is where the Annatal, the southern end of the Mariental, is located. Together with the neighboring Landgrafenschlucht gorge to the east and the Ludwigsklamm gorge rising from the Johannistal valley, the Drachenschlucht gorge is a popular hiking destination, especially in the summer months. The southern entrance is at Hohe Sonne, the northern entrance is at the driveway to Waldhaus Sängerwiese. The B 19 from Eisenach towards Gumpelstadt and Meiningen runs parallel to the gorge along its entire length. There are parking spaces for hikers at both main access points. For safety reasons, additional paths have been created to enable hikers to leave the gorge quickly in the event of storms or accidents. Thundering water underfoot, millions of glistening water droplets on mossy rocks that are only a little more than a man's width apart - the Drachenschlucht gorge is one of the most exciting geological monuments in Thuringia.

The gorge has also been a national geotope since 2019.

Normannstein Castle sits majestically on a hill above the town of Treffurt in Thuringia and looks back on a long history dating back to the 9th century. Originally, a lookout post was built here to monitor the Werra valley. In the 12th century, the lords of Treffurt converted it into a castle, which is reflected in the striking square towers, the gate building and the squire's building. The Knights of Treffurt used the castle as a residence and to administer the surrounding villages on behalf of the Landgraves of Thuringia.

In the 14th century, the reputation of the Knights of Treffurt changed as they fell into disrepute due to plundering in the border region between Thuringia and Hesse. This led to a siege in 1336 and ultimately to the expulsion of the knights. Over the following centuries, the castle gradually fell into disrepair and was used as a quarry by the citizens of Treffurt.

The name "Normannstein" did not appear until much later. In 1894, Gustav Döring acquired the ruins and set up a restaurant in the chapel building, making the castle a popular destination for hikers. Between 1921 and 1933, the castle hosted major events organized by the Neudeutschland association.

Today, Normannstein Castle is an important historical monument and an attraction for tourists. The well-preserved ruins offer an impressive view over the Werra and the picturesque surrounding countryside. In the exhibition tower, visitors can explore a permanent exhibition on the history of castles in the Werra valley and immerse themselves in the past. The modern exhibition, which can be reached via almost 100 steps, offers exciting insights into everyday life in the Middle Ages, including meal plans, household remedies and unloved housemates.

The exhibition is accessible during opening hours and also outside regular hours on request or for larger groups. From the castle's viewing platform, visitors can enjoy a sweeping view over the landscape and may be able to see the "white woman" at dusk.

Normannstein Castle is also a popular venue for weddings and other special occasions, although it does not have regular opening hours. Regular events contribute to the lively character of the castle. The castle is a particularly recommended detour for cyclists planning Treffurt as a stage destination along the Werratal cycle path.

It is possible to drive up to the castle in your own car. The outdoor area is freely accessible and the inner courtyard is barrier-free.

The baroque Friedenstein Palace is the impressive testimony to the art of the newly founded Duchy of Saxony-Gotha. Duke Ernst I of Saxe-Gotha had it built. His deeply religious understanding is reflected not only in his epithet "the Pious", but also in the castle name itself. "Peace Ernehret, Unfriede Verzehret" can be read on the main portal. Today, the palace complex houses the palace museum with its art chamber, the Museum of Nature and the Historical Museum as well as the baroque Ekhof Theatre and the palace church.

It was Ernst I with the epithet "the Pious" who commissioned the construction of Friedenstein Palace. It was to replace the then already destroyed Grimmenstein Fortress. The foundation stone for the new palace was laid in the autumn of 1643, and barely three years later the duke and his family were able to move into the north wing. The entire complex was finally completed by 1656, although the initial decoration was to take another ten years. Important artists and renowned craftsmen left their mark in Gotha. They ensured that Friedenstein Palace was to be one of the most outstanding pieces of architecture of the 17th century. Hardly any other prince had a comparable residence at that time. The highly symbolic name of the palace is the subject of both the dedication inscription above the main portal and the relief cartouche above it, which shows the "Kiss of Peace". The surrounding saying reflects the understanding of the builder - " Peace Ernehret - Unfriede Verzehret".

Inside the chateau, rooms from the Baroque, Rococo, Classicism and Historicism periods have been preserved. Today it houses the castle museum, with the richly stuccoed banqueting hall and the ducal apartments, as well as the Kunstkammer, the Museum of Nature and the Historical Museum. The unique art collections can be seen in the Ducal Museum opposite. In the west tower is the Ekhof Theatre - a baroque theatre bearing the name of Conrad Ekhof (1720-1778). He was considered the "father of German drama" and the director of one of the first theatres with permanent actors. Due to its original wooden stage technology, the theatre is considered one of the most completely preserved of the 17th century and is still in use today.

Wartburg Castle, one of the most important and best-known fortresses in Thuringia, towers majestically over the town of Eisenach and offers visitors a deep insight into German history and culture. The castle was founded around 1067 by Louis the Knight and served as one of the most important residences of the Landgraves of Thuringia. It is not only an architectural masterpiece, but also a symbol of historical events and personalities.

According to legend, Louis the Knight is said to have announced the founding of Wartburg Castle with the following words: "Wait! Mountain, you shall become a castle for me!"

One of the most famous episodes in the history of Wartburg Castle is its role in the life of Martin Luther. In 1521, he found refuge here and translated the New Testament into German, making a significant contribution to the spread of the Reformation. This time at Wartburg Castle marks an important turning point in Germany's religious and cultural history.

Architecturally, Wartburg Castle impresses with its well-preserved Romanesque and Gothic buildings, including the magnificent Palas and the chapel. The keep, the central fortification, offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding countryside and the town of Eisenach.

The castle is not only a place of history, but also a center of culture. Concerts, exhibitions and events take place here regularly, reflecting the rich cultural tradition of the region. One highlight is the annual Luther Festival, which attracts visitors from all over the world.

In addition to its historical and cultural significance, Wartburg Castle also offers numerous leisure activities. Hiking trails lead through the idyllic nature of the Thuringian Forest and are ideal for a detour to the imposing complex. Visitors are rewarded with fantastic views from the Wartburg hill - directly in front of the drawbridge. Guided tours of the castle provide a detailed insight into its history and architecture.

Today, Wartburg Castle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and attracts thousands of tourists every year. It stands as a living monument to German history and culture and is a must-see for anyone interested in Germany's past and cultural roots.

The public grounds of the castle can be visited free of charge. The inside of the castle is only accessible during guided tours or events.

The Wildcat Children's Forest - a forest adventure area southeast of Kammerforst - consists of large-scale play elements. These include various climbing mazes, a bird's nest swing, a crawling tunnel system and a three-story adventure sandbox, all of which blend impressively and harmoniously into the forest landscape. The masterfully and whimsically shaped structures are works of the company "Künstlerische Holzgestaltung Bergmann" from Zentendorf/Saxony. Each of these objects has a unique character, but the handwriting is always unmistakable. During the planning, development and construction of this playground, special emphasis was placed on the playful connection between nature, art and man. The Wildcat Children's Forest joins the range of activities in the Hainich National Park that have been developed since its founding in 1997. Especially children and adolescents should be enabled a playful contact with nature, which gradually promotes the comprehension of natural contexts.