Top 20 Castles in Ilm-Kreis
Castles in Ilm-Kreis offer a glimpse into the region's rich history, featuring a mix of well-preserved strongholds and historical ruins. Situated in Thuringia, Germany, the area is characterized by its diverse landscapes, including the Thuringian Forest and basin. These historical sites provide insights into past daily life and architectural transformations. The region's castles are often integrated into scenic hiking trails, making them accessible for exploration.
Best castles in Ilm-Kreis
- The most popular castles is Wachsenburg Fortress, a castle that…
Last updated: May 9, 2026
Wachsenburg Fortress
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Elgersburg Castle
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Neideck Tower and Castle Ruins, Arnstadt
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and largely renovated. As the city announced,
the 65-meter-high historic building can be visited again.
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Ruins of the Raubschloss (Old Castle)
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Ehrenstein Castle Ruins
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Liebenstein Castle Ruins
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Gehren Castle Ruins
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Arnstadt Palace Museum
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Ruins of Wasserburg Ilmenau
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Ehrenburg Castle (Plaue)
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I actually think a photo is worth it too.
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Robber's castle or "Alteburg" 🏰 Legendary ruin from the High Middle Ages ⚔️ The so-called "robber's castle", which is the subject of several legends from the Thuringian Forest, is also often referred to as "Alteburg". The ruin is a rectangular fortification from the High Middle Ages that served to protect the former trade route from Erfurt across the Thuringian Forest to southern Germany. The rampart in the east, remnants of the ring wall (reconstructed), the cistern and the moat are still preserved today. The castle was probably built in 1150 by the Counts of Käfernburg. The name "robber's castle" seems to be based on the fact that the complex passed into the possession of robber barons several times during various battles in the 13th century. The ruins are a popular tourist destination. It is located on the western spur of the Arlesberg in Gräfenroda between Dörrberg and Geschwenda on the northern edge of the Thuringian Forest, above the Erfurt-Oberhof-Suhl railway line, which runs through the valley of the Wild Gera.
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After three years, Arnstadt's Neideck Tower is fully secured and largely renovated. As the city announced, the 65-meter-high historic building can be visited again.
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Very well preserved castle ruins and invites you to linger on the seating area.
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The castle is said to have been founded by the Counts of Käfernburg. It was destroyed in 1289 because of robber barons. The Counts of Schwarzburg built a new castle on the same site in 1324, which they sold to Count Henry VIII of Henneberg-Schleusingen in 1343. The owners then changed frequently. In 1613 the castle fell into disrepair. The remains of the castle burned down and were demolished in 1703. Traces of the castle can still be seen in the office building.
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The castle ruins including the tower are accessible again. Opening times only during the week. Monday to Thursday: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Friday 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Volunteers are still being sought for the weekend.
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If you stop in the parking lot, don't forget the parking meter. Otherwise a beautiful park with ruins, creek ....
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The Veste Wachsenburg, often simply called Wachsenburg, is a medieval hilltop castle belonging to the Drei Gleichen in the area of Holzhausen, a district of the Amt Wachsenburg municipality in the Ilm district in Thuringia. In the course of its history, the castle has changed hands frequently, been destroyed and frequently rebuilt and expanded: especially from 1900 to 1913 to house the extensive Wachsenburg collections on local and military history. The latter was lost in 1946 and the local museum had to close in 1962. Today, the Wachsenburg serves as a tourist restaurant, as it has long done, and has been a hotel since 1966, and it houses a small, privately run museum. Admission now costs €5 per person.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are some of the most historically significant castles in Ilm-Kreis?
The Ilm-Kreis region boasts a rich history reflected in its castles. Wachsenburg Fortress, dating back to the 10th century, is well-preserved and offers a museum. Mühlburg, part of the Drei Gleichen ensemble, is the oldest, first mentioned in 704 AD. Burg Gleichen, an 11th-century ruin, is famous for the legend of the 'two-wived Count'. Neideck Tower and Castle Ruins, Arnstadt showcases a transformation from a medieval stronghold to a Renaissance castle.
Are there family-friendly castles to visit in Ilm-Kreis?
Yes, several castles in Ilm-Kreis are great for families. Wachsenburg Fortress has a museum and restaurant, making it an engaging stop. Neideck Tower and Castle Ruins, Arnstadt offers panoramic views from its tower and features detailed models of the former castle and city. Elgersburg Castle also welcomes visitors to explore its long history.
What kind of views can I expect from the castles in Ilm-Kreis?
Many castles in Ilm-Kreis offer stunning panoramic views of the surrounding Thuringian landscape. From the Hohenlohe tower at Wachsenburg Fortress, you can see the Thuringian basin. The platform of Burg Gleichen's tower provides unique vistas, and the restored tower at Neideck Tower and Castle Ruins, Arnstadt offers magnificent views over Arnstadt. Even ruins like Ehrenstein Castle Ruins and Liebenstein Castle Ruins provide scenic outlooks.
Are there hiking trails connecting the castles in Ilm-Kreis?
Yes, the region is known for integrating its historical sites into scenic hiking trails. The Drei Gleichen castles (Mühlburg, Wachsenburg, and Burg Gleichen) are connected by the 12km Burgenroute walking circuit. Burg Gleichen is also part of scenic hiking trails. For more hiking options, you can explore guides like Easy hikes in Ilm-Kreis.
What outdoor activities can I do near the castles in Ilm-Kreis?
Beyond exploring the castles themselves, the Ilm-Kreis region offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking opportunities, including waterfall hikes and easy trails. For runners, there are dedicated running trails. Check out guides like Waterfall hikes in Ilm-Kreis or Running Trails in Ilm-Kreis for detailed routes.
Can I find food and accommodation options at or near the castles?
Yes, some castles offer amenities. Wachsenburg Fortress houses a museum, a hotel, and a restaurant. At Elgersburg Castle, you can stop in, stay overnight, and rent the hall. Liebenstein Castle Ruins also has a hotel, restaurant, and café on site.
What is the best time of year to visit the castles in Ilm-Kreis?
The castles in Ilm-Kreis are generally accessible year-round. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures for hiking and exploring the grounds, with beautiful foliage in autumn. Summer allows for longer days and outdoor activities. While some facilities might have reduced hours, visiting in winter can offer a unique, mystical atmosphere, especially for ruins like Ehrenstein Castle Ruins.
Are there any lesser-known or 'hidden gem' castles worth exploring?
While the Drei Gleichen are prominent, other sites offer unique experiences. The Ruins of the Raubschloss (Old Castle), also known as 'Alteburg', is a legendary ruin from the High Middle Ages, hidden in the forest and steeped in local lore. Gehren Castle Ruins, surrounded by an extensive castle park, offers a historical park setting for exploration and reflection.
How accessible are the castles for visitors with mobility challenges or wheelchairs?
Accessibility varies greatly among the castles. Well-preserved sites like Wachsenburg Fortress may offer better access to some areas, but many castles, especially ruins or those with towers, involve uneven terrain, stairs, or steep paths. It's advisable to check specific accessibility details for each castle directly before your visit.
What can I learn about the local history at these castle sites?
The castles provide deep insights into the region's past. Mühlburg features museum rooms detailing historical daily life and local flora/fauna. Wachsenburg Fortress houses a museum. Burg Gleichen has a small museum in its tower chamber. The Neideck Tower and Castle Ruins, Arnstadt, with its models, helps visualize the former grandeur of the castle and the city of Arnstadt, one of Thuringia's oldest. The Stadt- und Schlossmuseum Gehren near Gehren Castle Ruins offers further local historical context.
Are dogs allowed at the castles in Ilm-Kreis?
Policies regarding dogs can differ between castle sites, especially for indoor areas like museums or restaurants. Outdoor areas and hiking trails around the castles are generally more dog-friendly. It's recommended to check the specific rules for each castle you plan to visit beforehand to ensure a smooth trip with your canine companion.
What is the significance of the 'Drei Gleichen' (Three Gleichen) castles?
The Drei Gleichen refers to a unique ensemble of three historic castles—Mühlburg, Wachsenburg Fortress, and Burg Gleichen—situated on distinct hills close to each other. They are a prominent landmark and a popular destination, each with its own history and character, from Mühlburg's ancient origins to Wachsenburg's preservation and Burg Gleichen's legendary tales. They are connected by a popular walking circuit.
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