Even from a distance, three castles 90 m above the Saale valley greet the traveler coming from the direction of Jena or Naumburg. The over 1000-year-old city of roses and castles offers numerous parks, walking paths on the bastions and a magnificent view of the Saale valley. The Old Castle, which is the largest of the three, is very closely connected with the history of Dornburg.

After a few destructions, the current structure was built in the 15th century. First used as a princely residence, later as an official residence, factory, school and nursing home, today the building serves as a conference center of the University of Jena but it can be visited on request.

If you want to follow in Goethe's footsteps, you can visit the Renaissance castle. In 1828, the famous poet spent his summer there. The Goethe Rooms, which can be visited in the castle, are a reminder of this. The rococo castle is one of the most beautiful rococo buildings in Thuringia. Not only the delicate colors of the palace contribute to the graceful ambience, but also the gardens with arcades in geometric shapes and the rose trellises. A real gem!