Museum Schloss Heringen

About the museum

The counts of Hohnstein had Heringen Castle built between 1322 and 1327 as a Romanesque fortress, the "Haus zur Goldenen Aue." Early in the 16th century it was converted into a Renaissance castle. The most famous resident was Countess Clara of Schwarzburg, daughter of a duke of Braunschweig-Lüneburg, who held the castle as her widow's seat from 1598 to 1658. Between 1800 and 1804 the castle was extensively remodeled; among other changes, it lost its third story. After 1945 it became state property. Since 1951 the town of Heringen has administered it, and since 2005 it has been recognized as a national cultural monument.

The museum extends across several floors of the Old Castle. On the first floor is the Tafelstube (dining room) with Renaissance ceiling paintings. The archaeological permanent exhibition "Das älteste Dorf Thüringens" on the second floor tells the story of the first farmers who settled in the Goldene Aue about 7,300 years ago, and invites visitors to touch and try things out. Above it, the history of the castle and its fortifications from the 10th to the 17th century is presented, along with the life of Princess Clara and living rooms from 1930 to 1950, with play worlds that include historic dollhouses and teddy bears.

The market hall houses an agricultural museum with 19th-century equipment. The entrance to the museum is in the courtyard hall of the New Castle.

Highlights

• Archaeological exhibition "Das älteste Dorf Thüringens" with hands-on stations
• Tafelstube with Renaissance ceiling paintings
• Life of Princess Clara at the castle
• Living rooms from 1930–1950 and play worlds with dollhouses
• Agricultural museum in the market hall
• Multimedia guides for adults and children

Permanent exhibitions

• Das älteste Dorf Thüringens – Interactive archaeological exhibition on the first farmers who settled in the Goldene Aue about 7,300 years ago.
• Burg- und Schlossgeschichte und Fürstin Clara – Development of the castle complex from the 10th to the 17th century, as well as the life of Princess Clara of Schwarzburg-Frankenhausen (1599–1659).
• Wohnräume 1930–1950 und Spielewelten – Furnished living rooms from 1930 to 1950 and a toy collection with dolls, teddy bears and dollhouses about a hundred years old.

Operated by

Stadt Heringen/Helme

Admission & discounts

Fee schedule valid from July 15, 2026. Cash or EC debit card.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The first three floors can be reached by elevator; the fourth floor is accessible only by stairs. Information according to "Reisen für Alle" in the Harz tourism portal.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations

The Stone Age exhibition has interactive stations where objects can be touched. For children there is a multimedia guide, a castle rally, knight games, calligraphy and practical activities in the Milchhaus; family ticket €15.

Getting there & parking

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent

The Tafelstube, the Great Hall and the Festhalle in the castle can be booked for events.

Plan your visit