Schleusingen’s history is especially impressively showcased at Bertholdsburg Castle: the Renaissance building is flanked by four towers and features magnificent portals. Until 1583, the castle was the seat of the Counts of Henneberg; today, it houses the Natural History Museum. Here, architectural history and natural history exhibitions come together in one place.
Bertholdsburg Castle and Natural History Museum
With three large exhibitions, the museum occupies nearly 2,000 square metres across the castle’s east, north and west wings. The exhibitions connect their natural history topics with the building’s historic architecture. Highlights include skeletons of southern Thuringian dinosaurs measuring five to six metres in length. Visitors interested in natural history will therefore find a different subject here from the Renaissance building’s architectural history; both are housed at Bertholdsburg Castle.
Before visiting, it is worth checking the latest visitor information to help plan your trip. The exhibition area indicates the scale of the museum, while individual displays may change. This is particularly useful if you are planning a visit around a specific exhibition topic.
Market Square, Fountain and Town Festival
At the heart of Schleusingen is the linden-lined market square. Its market fountain, dating from 1710, is adorned with a statue of Countess Elisabeth of Henneberg. The square offers another way to discover the city’s history, this time right in the town centre, with a striking monument as its focal point.
The annual Abitaufe, or graduation baptism, is a highlight of the town festival. It is described as taking place on the penultimate weekend before the summer holidays: graduates of Hennebergisches Gymnasium “Georg Ernst” are pulled through town in brightly decorated handcarts and then ceremonially “baptised.” Beforehand, Countess Elisabeth’s face on the market fountain is veiled. If you would like to experience this tradition, check the specific event date before your trip; it is scheduled in relation to the summer holidays.
These attractions offer different options when planning your trip: the castle and museum focus on architecture, history and natural history, while the market square and town festival bring a civic and festive touch. The museum is a permanent exhibition venue, whereas the Abitaufe takes place on an annual date. This distinction can help you tailor your visit to your interests and travel dates, without treating the two experiences as equivalent offerings.
More places to explore in Hildburghausen District
Hildburghausen District also offers a variety of cultural and historical perspectives. The Hennebergisches Museum Kloster VeĂźra is a six-hectare open-air museum. Its four themed areas cover the history of the monastery, half-timbered architecture and everyday life in the Henneberg region, as well as agricultural technology and sustainability. The topics span everything from the history of a monastery to rural life and technological developments.
The German Castle Museum at Veste Heldburg explores the history and culture of castles in Europe from the Middle Ages to the present day. Its permanent exhibition is designed as a tour through the entire fortress. Visitors learn how castle construction changed from one era to the next and get to know Veste Heldburg. By comparison, the Natural History Museum at Bertholdsburg Castle focuses on natural history exhibitions and dinosaur skeletons.
The landscape of Hildburghausen District includes a continuous forest area in Thuringian Forest Nature Park and the Vessertal Biosphere Reserve, which is an important part of the district. Hutelandschaft Rodachaue offers a different landscape experience: from the roof of the observation shelter, visitors can enjoy panoramic views across its meadows. Konik horses and Heck cattle contribute to the development of a natural landscape there.
Activities in the district also vary according to the landscape and how you get around. The Werra Valley Cycle Route runs through the Werra floodplains and is particularly popular for cycling downstream. The Werra Valley is also suitable for hiking and cycling; downstream from Themar, it is also possible to go canoeing. These are all highlights of Hildburghausen District, complementing Schleusingen’s own cultural attractions and town festival with other regional experiences.
Discover more destinations: Heckengereuth, Masserberg, Gießübel, Bischofrod, Römhild, Eisfeld, Biberschlag, Henfstädt.
For the wider travel overview: Hildburghausen-Suhl.
