The Dornburg castles

History with a view and a garden

The place

The Dornburg castles near Jena consist of three different buildings. Anyone who visits this can confidently turn to the town of Dornburg. There is a church here, the market square

The town of Dornburg in Thuringia with a market square.

and other historic buildings. The Alte Gut Dornburg has a special charm. But this is more morbid. Different eras have left their mark here.

Old Dornburg estate. Staircase with mailbox and electrics from earlier times.

Today the question arises as to how the whole thing can be used in the present. That's why the site is part of the IBA Thuringia, a project that is about the future of such places.

The castles

Back to the castles. There are parking spaces “upstairs” in Dornburg and “downstairs” on the Saale in Dorndorf-Steudnitz, where there is also a train station and the Saale cycle path runs along. The path from there is steep and initially unpleasant, especially for visitors from Erfurt.

Sticker Shit Erfurt in Dorndorf Steuben near Jena in Thuringia.

There are two footpaths to choose from for the climb. One leads via the town of Dornburg to the castles, the other ends directly on their grounds. Here we take the first path, which ends at the Renaissance castle.

Renaissance castle of the three Dornburg castles on the Saale near Jena.

Goethe in Dornburg

Goethe stayed at this place in 1828 for a classical workation, during which numerous poems and studies were created. The second of the castles is also connected to him. The rococo castle serves as quarters for the ducal minister and privy councilor Goethe on official trips to the area.

The rococo castle of the three Dornburg castles in Dornburg Camburg on the Saale near Jena.

The building should be viewed calmly, as numerous loving details can be seen on its facade:

A window at the Rococo castle in Dornburg an der Saale in the municipality of Dornburg Camburg with painting.

Speaking of details: These can also be seen in the garden that surrounds the Rococo castle. It starts with the wrought iron fence and continues in the numerous paths and corridors.

A wrought iron fence in the garden of the Dornburg Castles in Thuringia.

There is always a wonderful view of the Saale valley. This can be enjoyed at numerous resting points.

View of the Saale at the Dornberg castles near Jena in Thuringia.

And this is how we get to the Old Castle. This is the oldest of the three Dornburg castles. Today it serves as a conference location.

Path from the rococo castle to the old castle of one of the three Dornburg castles.

way back

From here the shorter footpath leads back into the valley. Either to the train station or over the Carl Alexander Bridge to the parking lot. The Saale cycle path also leads over this Saale crossing.

The Carl Alexander Bridge leads over the Saale in Dorndorf Steuben near the Dornburg castles.

Conclusion:

The Dornburg castles impress with their location, architecture and the gardens that surround them. Anyone who gets involved can easily spend several hours there, combined with a visit to the interior. There is also good accessibility by car, train and bicycle.

The three Dornburg castles above the Saale in Thuringia near Dornburg Camburg.

Overview

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