Belvedere Castle and Park

Weimar summer residence with orangery and maze

Belvedere Castle, once the glamorous summer residence of the Dukes of Saxe-Weimar and Eisenach, rises high above Weimar. Surrounded by extensive parkland, this impressive complex combines baroque architecture with artistically designed gardens and botanical diversity.

A palace with history

Built between 1724 and 1748, the palace originally served as a hunting residence for Duke Ernst August. However, it soon developed into a prestigious summer residence with magnificent cavalier houses, stables and an orangery. After the duke's death, the estate began to fall into disrepair until Duchess Anna Amalia breathed new life into it in the late 18th century. Her son, Duke Carl August, gave Belvedere a scientific dimension: together with Goethe, he researched rare plant species here and expanded the gardens to include a botanical collection with thousands of exotic plants.

Garden art between Baroque and Romanticism

The extensive grounds of Belvedere Castle reflect different eras of garden design. The original Baroque austerity with geometric forms was supplemented by Romantic landscape elements in the 19th century. Today, small decorative squares, winding paths and hidden park architecture invite you to take a relaxing stroll.

A particular highlight is the Russian Garden, which Hereditary Duke Carl Friedrich had laid out for his wife Maria Pavlovna. Here you will find a filigree hedge theater and an artistically designed maze, reminiscent of the preferences of the Russian Grand Duchess.

UNESCO World Heritage Site and vibrant culture

Belvedere Castle and Park have been part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site “Classical Weimar” since 1998. Today, the castle houses a museum that presents exquisite 18th century works of art from the finest porcelain to masterfully crafted furniture and impressive paintings.

Belvedere is a fascinating example of how history can be brought to life. Cultural events, themed tours and seasonal garden festivals bring the history of the palace to life. Visitors can enjoy the unique atmosphere that connects the past with the present and highlights the special significance of the palace for Weimar's cultural landscape.

Amenities and Facilities

Open

Imbiss

Museum store

Parking

Restaurant

Restroom

Hours of Operation and Ticket Prices

Castle Museum
Tuesday to Sunday
10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Closed on Mondays.

The museum is closed from November 2nd to March 20th.

Orangerie, Nordflügel
Tuesday to Sunday
8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Closed on Mondays.

Closed from November 2nd to March 20th. Temporary opening hours possible, see the Klassik Stiftung Weimar calendar of events.

Orangery, Gardener's Residence and Long House
10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Park Belvedere
The park is freely accessible all year round.

Important info

With the new app game "Discover the park - a game for the curious and the clever", a walk in the Belvedere Castle Park becomes a little adventure. Small puzzles, scattered all over the park, await to be solved. In a playful way, the gardener of Belvedere conveys interesting facts about the care of the park, the favorite places, and the secrets that make this place so special. You can find out more here: https://www.klassik-stiftung.de/app