Relaxing in the spa, sweating out toxins in the sauna, and treating yourself to a massage—actually the perfect plan for January. And there are some of the best thermal baths around Berlin for this. But as beneficial as this time out is for the body, not everyone wants to spend their free time exclusively relaxing. Many people also want to discover new things and get to know special places – and there are more than enough of those in the Berlin area. Whether it’s one of the most magnificent historicist castles or one of Germany’s greatest monuments: the choice is almost limitless. That’s why we’d like to introduce you to another absolute highlight today: Altenstein Castle & Park in Bad Liebenstein in the Wartburgkreis district of Thuringia. The complex is located at an altitude of around 460 meters on the southwestern slope of the Thuringian Forest and is one of the most important cultural and garden monuments in Germany.
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The castle was originally built in 1736 as the residence of the Dukes of Saxe-Meiningen. In the 19th century, the complex underwent extensive renovation in the Neo-Renaissance or late English Renaissance style, particularly under Duke George II, the famous “Theater Duke.” A severe fire in 1982 destroyed large parts of the interior. Since 2017, a memorial to Johannes Brahms has been open to the public, displaying original letters, first editions, and images, among other items. Today, the castle is considered a cultural monument of national importance. Important figures such as Johannes Brahms, Clara Schumann, Franz Liszt, and landscape architect Hermann Fürst von Pückler-Muskau had close ties to Altenstein.
Photo: Shutterstock
Covering around 160 hectares, the park is one of the largest historic landscape parks in Thuringia. It was laid out in 1798 under Duke Georg I of Saxe-Meiningen and later significantly influenced by renowned landscape architects such as Hermann Fürst von Pückler-Muskau, Carl Eduard Petzold, and Peter Joseph Lenné. Wide meadows, dense forests, impressive rock formations, picturesque viewpoints overlooking the Werra Valley, and artistically designed park elements come together here to form a harmonious whole. Among the most beautiful attractions are the Chinese cottage, the carpet and knot gardens, the knight’s chapel, the Devil’s Bridge, the Luisenthal waterfall, and the Altenstein cave. Artfully arranged flower beds, historic park architecture, and an artificial waterfall make a stroll through the grounds particularly delightful.
The park is open to the public all year round and is perfect for walks, hikes, picnics, or photo tours. Due to ongoing tree work, which is expected to continue until the end of 2026, the castle cannot currently be visited as usual – however, parts such as the Brahms Memorial are still open. Altenstein Castle and Park are located just a few kilometers from the spa town of Bad Liebenstein, nestled in the natural surroundings of the Thuringian Forest – an ideal destination for nature and culture lovers alike.