The castle with a Droleriefigur* in a spicy pose named "Leckarsch

The upper castle, a fortress castle, stands on a hilltop jutting out from the Kranichberg. It was built in the 12th century in the Romanesque style. In 1453, it was converted into a magnificent Renaissance castle and survived until it burnt down to ruins in 1934 and was only half rebuilt in 1934.

Magnificent view

The “Thick Tower” (3.60 m thick walls, 22 m high) offers visitors a magnificent view over the town and the Middle Ilm Valley landscape conservation area. The castle's most famous symbol is the “Leckarsch”, a drollery figure in a piquant pose, which is located on the southwest corner of the upper castle and is the subject of many legends. (*Drolerie = French: droll, often drastic depiction of people, animals or mythical creatures in medieval art)

Living history for visitors

As part of its "Schlösserwelt Digital & Original" program, the Thuringian Palaces and Gardens Foundation is implementing a new educational program entitled "Learning to See - Searching for Traces in the Upper Castle". This includes the revision of the permanent exhibition and the expansion of the tour information throughout the entire complex. The redesigned permanent exhibition will be on display from the start of the season at Easter 2025.

Whether the Upper Castle will open with restrictions from Easter 2024 or remain closed for the entire year is yet to be announced.