Burg Gleichen

About the museum

Gleichen Castle sits on a cone-shaped hill in the Drei Gleichen area west of Erfurt and is first documented in the 11th century. In 1130 the Archbishopric of Mainz enfeoffed the Counts of Tonna with the complex; the family then took its name from the castle and held court here. The fortress was repeatedly the site of sieges. It became known through the legend of Count Ernst of Gleichen, who is said to have had two wives after his captivity in the Orient.

With the death of the last count in 1631, who left no descendants, the castle began to decay. Since 1991 the city of Erfurt, which owns the site, has had the ruin comprehensively secured and restored. Today it gives a vivid impression of a medieval hilltop castle, with a massive gateway, a palas (main residential hall), and a towering keep.

In the restored, accessible keep, an exhibition designed by the Erfurt Natural History Museum and the EU LIFE project "Steppenrasen in Thüringen" presents the cultural and natural history of the Drei Gleichen. From the tower there is a wide view over the landscape. Along the ascent, small information boards explain selected animal and plant species as well as the geological features of the castle hill.

Highlights

• Accessible keep with an exhibition on the Drei Gleichen
• Massive gateway and palas building
• Wide view over the landscape of the Drei Gleichen
• Legend of the Count of Gleichen and his two wives
• Information boards on steppe grasslands and geology along the path

Permanent exhibition

• Kultur- und Naturgeschichte der Drei Gleichen – Exhibition in the keep on the history of the castle and the natural environment of the Drei Gleichen.

Operated by

Stadt Erfurt (Naturkundemuseum Erfurt)

Admission & discounts

Accessibility

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Kids & families

Along the path, small information boards explain selected animals and plants as well as the geology of the castle hill. The castle sits on a hill and is reached via a hiking trail.

Getting there & parking

The castle ruin sits on a cone-shaped hill and can only be reached on foot via a hiking trail.

Amenities & dining

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Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.