Located just a few kilometers north of Jena, the Dornburg Castles sit atop a vine-covered shell limestone rock overlooking the valley of the attractively meandering Saale River. The Old Castle and the Renaissance Castle frame the Rococo Castle. The castles are connected by gardens of various styles, whose rose splendor and intimate atmosphere inspired not only Johann Wolfgang von Goethe.
Terrace paths with views of the valley connect the three castles, which date from different eras. The Old Castle has its roots in the High Middle Ages. The hexagonal castle keep is still a reminder of the former castle. It was used again when the castle was constructed in the 16th century. Originally built as a widow's residence, the castle was the center of the Dornburg district for a long time, an administrative unit of the Duchy of Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach. In the 20th century, like many other castles, it served as a retirement home and school. Since 2004, the Friedrich Schiller University of Jena has operated a conference center in the renovated building.
The Renaissance Castle, where the museum tour begins, was also built in the 16th century. Initially, it was the residence of a landowner, but it was not until 1824 that it was purchased and became part of the castle complex. Here, the aging Grand Duke Carl August had a private retreat established for his stays in Dornburg. After his death in 1828, his long-time friend and privy councilor Goethe stayed here for several weeks, creating poems and research notes.
The centerpiece of the summer residence is the Rococo Castle, the youngest of the three castles. Duke Ernst August I of Saxe-Weimar had it built in the center of the rocky plateau around 1740. The ruler oriented to Absolutism planned an army show in the Saale Valley based on the model of the magnificent Zeithain camp of August the Strong. The army show never came to fruition - but the castle, which Gottfried Heinrich Krohne designed especially for it, did. The building is artfully integrated into the hillside, and the floors can be reached directly from the gardens. The showpiece is the ballroom with colored stucco marble.
Today, porcelain of various origins characterizes the castle's furnishings. Much of it was brought to Dornburg by Grand Duke Carl Alexander, who in the 19th century cultivated the Dornburg Castles as a dynastic place of remembrance and regularly celebrated his birthday here. The dining room, designed in the Rococo style, dates back from this period.
The gardens are characterized by uncluttered garden spaces and a wide variety of styles. In addition to the landscape garden at the Renaissance castle, they include, for example, the rose arbor at the Rococo castle, the vineyards on the rocky slope, and the orchard and grass gardens at the Old Castle. A tea garden and numerous rose trellises also invite visitors to stroll around. The highlight of the annual program is the Dornburg Castle Night in August - when the gardens and castles become a vibrant summer residence of the present.
Bus
Guided tours
Geöffnet
Children's program
Museum store
Parking
Events
Restroom
9:00 a.m. until dusk
daily 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.
closed on Wednesdays, open on holidays
Adults: 6,00 €
Reduced: 4,00 €
children and students: free admission
Dornburger Schlösser und Gärten
Schlossverwaltung
Dornburg Palaces
Max-Krehan-Straße 3b
07774 Dornburg-Camburg
Telefon: 03 64 27 / 21 51 30
Fax: 03 64 27 / 21 51 34
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Event location
Nur wenige Kilometer von Jena entfernt erheben sich über dem reizvollen Saaletal die drei Dornburger Schlösser. Zugleich bieten sie den Rahmen für unterschiedlichste Veranstaltungen.
Ansprechpartner: Schlossverwaltung Dornburger Schlösser und Gärten
Telefon: 03 64 27/21 51 30