The 8 Most Amazing Peaks around Hellingen

This panel vividly explains the formation of the Straufhain. The geological outcrop is located right next to it and is unfortunately somewhat overgrown. Otherwise, it's really very interesting. There are several other basalt cones of this type in the area, including the Heldburg Fortress and the Gleichberge Mountains, which bear witness to past volcanic activity.

This beautifully designed seating area, created by wood sculptor Max Müller, is located on Burgstrasse, right next to the Victoria Rondell at the beginning of the footpath to the fortress, and is part of the children's play area. Beautifully designed and decorated with carvings, the space is not only an eye-catcher but also invites you to linger for a while.

In keeping with the artistically minded sovereign's philosophy, the theatrical element was not neglected in the design of this outdoor retreat. A small arbor was created on the Commandant's Building beneath a monumental scene depicting Saint George fighting his archenemy – the dragon. Since the 19th century, the Commandant's Building has been adorned with a monumental mural depicting Saint George with the dragon. It was commissioned by Duke George II, a likely coincidence in their names. Source: https://blog.thueringerschloesser.de/veranda-fuer-den-herzog/

The "Tiefkeller Veste Heldburg (Heidenbaukeller)" (DE 5730-305) FFH area was proposed as a FFH area by the Thuringian Ministry of the Environment in June 2004 and reported to the EU Commission via the Federal Ministry for the Environment. Its inclusion in the list of sites of Community importance in the Continental Biogeographical Region was confirmed by the EU Commission in November 2007 (Official Journal of the European Union - EC No. L 12/383 of November 13, 2007). Source: (Official Journal of the European Union - EC No. L 12/383 of November 13, 2007).

Heldburg Fortress was a high medieval hilltop castle that was rebuilt in the 16th century as a Renaissance-style palace. It rises 113 meters above the town of Heldburg in the Heldburg region, the southernmost tip of the Hildburghausen district in Thuringia, on a 405-meter-high volcanic cone belonging to the former Heldburger Gangschar volcanic region. Founded in the 12th or 13th century, it has been called the "Franconian Light" since the 14th century due to its prominent location, a counterpart to the "Franconian Crown," the nearby Coburg Fortress. Heldburg Fortress is the only Thuringian fortress listed as a sight on the Castle Road. The French-style building of the fortress houses the German Castle Museum, which opened in September 2016. Source: https://de.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Veste_Heldburg

Heldburg Fortress acquired its appearance mainly in the 16th and 19th centuries. However, its history goes back much further, probably to the 12th century. The Renaissance architect Nikolaus Gromann had a decisive influence on the design of the complex. He is to be credited with having transformed the medieval castle into a representative ensemble - one with outstanding art-historical significance. He did not simply tear down what had been left behind, but cleverly integrated it into the new building project. The French building, built from 1560 onwards, is now the architectural highlight of the fortress. Source: https://www.thueringerschloesser.de/objekt/veste-heldburg/

He directed, designed costumes and stage sets, wrote treatises on director's theatre and helped the Meiningen court orchestra to new fame. George II of Saxe-Meiningen became famous as the "Theater Duke" and went down in history. Influenced by the castle romanticism of the 19th century, he realized his romantic ideas of a fairytale castle at Veste Heldburg. However, a major fire in 1982 destroyed much of the precious interior. Today, the German Castle Museum invites you to visit. Source: https://www.thueringerschloesser.de/objekt/veste-heldburg/

The climb is a bit difficult, but the view from a great wooden bench makes up for it.