Castle and Park Ettersburg

A Jewel of the UNESCO World Heritage Site “Klassisches Weimar”

Park and Castle Ettersburg (Park und Schloss Ettersburg), majestically situated on the 474 m high Ettersberg, are a significant part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site “Klassisches Weimar”. This historic site has a rich history dating back to the 18th century. Once it caught Napoleon’s attention as a hunting ground. Duke Wilhelm Ernst of Saxe-Weimar built the castle between 1706 and 1712 in a simple Baroque style on the remains of a destroyed Augustinerkloster.

Park and Castle Ettersburg – The Cultural Oasis for Popular Personalities

Castle Ettersburg not only served as a residence for the dukes of Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach, but also as a cultural hub that attracted numerous significant personalities. The grand hall of the Old Castle was a popular meeting place for musicians like Johann Sebastian Bach. Later, architect Johann Mützel expanded the castle with the extravagant new castle, which today is a striking symbol of the neoclassical style. From 1776 to 1780, Caslte Ettersburg was the summer residence of Duchess Anna Amalia, mother of Duke Carl August. The village church, originally the choir of the monastery church, was integrated into the east wing. It remains a significant historical feature to this day.

Castle Ettersburg: A Place of Inspiration and Cultural Exchange

In the splendid rooms of Castle Ettersburg, performances by the Weimar Amateur Theatre were regularly held, reflecting the cultural heyday of the Weimar court. Figures like Goethe, Wieland, Liszt, and Herder were frequent visitors. In the peaceful atmosphere of Ettersburg, Friedrich Schiller completed his work “Maria Stuart” in 1800.

Park Ettersburg: A Masterpiece of Landscape Gardening

The Schlosspark Ettersburg, surrounded by the picturesque nature of the Ettersberg, is an outstanding example of the fusion of art and nature. The redesign began in the mid-19th century under the aegis of Crown Prince Carl Alexander and the garden artist Eduard Petzold. Inspired by English landscape gardens, they created a diverse park that blends harmoniously into the surrounding nature. The “Pücklerschlag” offers a forest meadow with a view over the Thüringer Becken. The pergolas on the parterres remain distinctive features of the park to this day.

In 2021, the historical parterre gardens were extensively restored and preserved according to monument conservation standards as part of the Bundesgartenschau Erfurt. The reinterpretation is based on the 1865 design with lavender, thyme, and historical standard roses. Restored putti and reconstructed ceramic edging stones contribute to the authenticity of the garden. A newly designed park entrance in the east and an additional staircase from the northern entrance to the castle courtyard improve visitor accessibility. These facilities invite exploration of the beauty and history of the Schlosspark Ettersburg. The park remains not only a jewel of European garden art, but also a place of relaxation and cultural inspiration, attracting visitors from around the world.

Castle Ettersburg as a Cultural Center – From the Past to the Future

Following its use as a boarding school and nursing home, the castle buildings were extensively renovated between 2006 and 2008 and now serve as a conference hotel and cultural centre. It is a place where education, culture, and science come together. Regularly, concerts, readings, and scientific events take place here. The impressive backdrop of Castle Ettersburg also offers an ideal setting for weddings and other festive occasions.

The park, with its historical charm, is open to the public. Particularly, the “Zeitschneise” allows hikes over the Ettersberg to the nearby Buchenwald Memorial. Park and Castle Ettersburg are thus not only a place steeped in history but also a vibrant centre of culture and intellectual life in the heart of Thuringia.

Park and Castle Ettersburg: A Journey Through History and Culture

Park and Castle Ettersburg are a vibrant centre of culture and intellectual life. As part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site “Klassisches Weimar,” this place attracts visitors from all over the world. The history dates back to the 18th century, where the beauty of nature combines with a rich cultural tradition. Regular events such as concerts, readings, and scientific conferences keep the tradition alive. Thus, Ettersburg is not only steeped in history but also a significant place of cultural exchange and encounter.