Altenstein House and Park

A masterpiece of garden art and history

Altenstein House, the magnificent summer residence of the Dukes of Saxe-Meiningen, sits enthroned in the middle of the beautiful Thuringian countryside, not far from the traditional spa town of Bad Liebenstein. Covering an area of 160 hectares, the park is one of the largest and most impressive landscaped parks in central Germany. Masterful garden art, imposing rock formations and breathtaking viewpoints merge here to create a unique backdrop that transports visitors back in time.

A park landscape with history

The origins of the park date back to 1798, when Duke Georg I of Saxe-Meiningen began designing a sentimental and romantic landscape park. Inspired by English gardens, impressive park architecture such as the Chinese Cottage and the mysterious Devil's Bridge were created during this time. In the 19th century, the park was further refined by the outstanding garden artists Hermann Fürst von Pückler-Muskau, Carl-Eduard Petzold and Peter Joseph Lenné. Deliberate planting and artistic visual axes created an impressive harmony between nature and architecture.

Artistic encounters in a historic setting

Duke Georg II, one of the great patrons of the arts, had the baroque palace redesigned in the style of English country estates. Here he received important personalities of his time, including the composer Johannes Brahms, who gave private concerts with musicians from the Meiningen court. An elegant garden with ornate flowerbeds was created in the inner courtyard of the residence - including the famous carpet bed, which is still admired today.

Strokes of fate and reconstruction

A dramatic chapter in the history of Altenstein House was the devastating fire in 1982, which destroyed large parts of the residence. However, the splendor of times gone by is slowly returning: a Johannes Brahms memorial and an artfully reconstructed Chinese cabinet have been open to visitors on guided tours since 2017.

Nature experience and historical discoveries

Visitors can not only enjoy the extensive gardens, but also discover underground secrets: The Altenstein Cave, discovered in 1799 and once integrated into the park design by Duke George I as a “garden under the mountain”, offers a fascinating insight into the geological history of the region. Impressive Echo concerts once took place in its Great Hall - a tradition that underlines the unique character of this historic site.

An experience for relaxation and inspiration

Whether it's a long walk between ornate garden architecture, a view over the Werra Valley from one of the vantage points or a stroll through the cultural and historical past: Altenstein House offers an incomparable experience for history and nature lovers alike. Let yourself be enchanted by the magic of this place and discover one of the most beautiful park landscapes in Thuringia!