From Henneberg and Hercules...

Thuringia's oldest residential palace rises majestically above the tranquil little town of Schleusingen on the southern edge of the Thuringian Forest. The Counts of Henneberg - one of the oldest noble families in Franconia - recognized the logistically favourable location on the important trade and military route from Nuremberg to Erfurt early on and moved their seat here from Henneberg near Meiningen around 1230. Perhaps the „wisest“ among them - Count Berthold VII (1272-1340) was a respected emperor and royal advisor - the castle probably owes its name to him. Under the influence of the Renaissance in culture and architecture, the medieval fortifications were finally converted into a four-wing Renaissance castle in the 15th and 16th centuries. This external appearance has been preserved to this day, as after the death of the last counts of Henneberg around 1583, the Wettins and Prussians (as their successor owners) did not make any further significant changes due to residences elsewhere - all the better, as the castle now presents itself to visitors in its original splendor. Only two of the nine towers that once existed have fallen victim to time.

In addition to the Natural History Museum with three permanent exhibitions on Regional history, geology and natural history, Today, there are mainly beautifully stuccoed and painted rooms from around 1600 to explore. Particularly impressive are the large-format scenes of the Heroic deeds of Hercules - one of the largest secular picture cycles in Central Germany.

In addition, numerous events enrich the modern operation of the castle: for high-class Concerts and music evenings, the castle offers the perfect ambience. Children's and medieval festival visitors can immerse themselves in bygone days and experience exciting Lectures and Readings invite you to intellectual enjoyment. The castle courtyard and park offer an ancient atmosphere in the open air.

The opening hours of the castle are based on those of the museum and the castle park.

Experience package:

1) A visit to Bertholdsburg Castle can be rounded off with a wonderful culinary experience at the „Teutsche Schule“ inn and guesthouse. In addition to comfortable accommodation, the beautiful half-timbered house is now home to a first-class inn and can be recommended to anyone who appreciates Franconian-Thuringian food culture or would like to get to know it.

2) Schleusingen is located on the edge of the UNESCO Thuringian Forest Biosphere Reserve. So why not combine a visit to the town with a stroll through the beautiful forests and mountain meadows in the surrounding area?