Onion wafting through the castle walls

Apparently giving its name to Thuringia's famous trio of castles, the Drei Gleichen, presents itself Gleichen Castle The castle can be seen from afar on a wooded hill in the heartland of the Free State. What few people know is that the name derives less from the outward resemblance to its „sisters“, Mühlburg and Wachsenburg, and more from the Noble family of the Gleichen who were already able to call some lofty possessions in Thuringia their own in the 11th century - including this castle from 1130. Among the lords and counts, the story of Ernst (other Ludwig), Count of Gleichen, who fled from the Holy Land and left the Daughter of the Sultan and enjoyed his existence at the castle in intimate bigamy with his wife, but with the Pope's blessing - at the time actually a monstrosity. The fact that, contrary to all doubts, there is „something to this story“ is shown by a Tomb slab in Erfurt Cathedral, on which the lord of the castle, garnished with two ladies, is depicted. And Goethe used the story as a source of inspiration for his play „Stella“ - the highest consecration among the acknowledgments of its actual events.

Today, the castle is no longer a home, as the ravages of time have taken their toll on its historic walls. Nevertheless, the climb to the top of the mountain cone is worthwhile, as the mystical atmosphere a castle ruin shrouded in legend, the sweeping view into the center of Thuringia, the Photo suitability of every angle and the great thing, small museum on the history of castles and the landscape in the preserved keep, do not fail to make an impact.  

Experience package:

1) The migration of the Drei Gleichen on the Gustav Freytag hiking trail is one of the most beautiful walks in the state, offering great views and deep insights into Thuringia's history. You can take beautiful photos of all the castles from the so-called Three Castles View on the Rhönberg, a hill opposite Gleichen Castle.

2) The highlight of the event is the regular August Drei(n)schlag®, the event after which, according to legend, all castles were struck by lightning at the same time. This is celebrated with Open-air concerts in and around Gut Ringhofen Mühlberg, colorful illuminations the walls and a pyromaniac spectacle, that will be remembered.