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!

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.

Not far from Gotha's city center and surrounded by forests and hiking trails, the Gotha Zoo is home to over 600 animals. In addition to native species such as donkeys and goats, numerous exotic animals can also be marveled at. Steppe endos and Syrian brown bears, for example, clearly feel at home here. No wonder, because the zoo impresses with its natural green areas and the intact nature, in which the enclosures fit harmoniously. For the small break in between the café of the promotion association animal park Gotha invites to stay with food and drink. In addition, there is an adventure playground and a petting enclosure for the younger guests.

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.

The world-famous Wartburg, which is over 900 years old, can be seen from afar above the town of Eisenach. According to legend, Louis the Knight announced the founding of Wartburg Castle with the following words: "Wait! Mountain, you shall become a castle to me!"

It is not only a castle par excellence, but a witness to German history. The Wartburg tells of the courtly art of the Middle Ages. Saint Elisabeth of Thuringia lived and worked here. Martin Luther translated the New Testament. The parlour in the Burgvogtei - authentic living and working space of the reformer from May 1521 to March of the following year and for centuries the destination of countless "pilgrims" - may at the same time be considered the birthplace of the Luther Bible and the modern German language. The festival of the German fraternities was held at Wartburg Castle and Wagner wrote the romantic opera "Tannhäuser". All this still gives the Wartburg its special attraction and charm today.

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.