Knau is shaped by the manor park and manor house: old trees, a diverse birdlife and a park layout associated with Masonic symbolism. Two circular walks offer different highlights, alongside a guided tour interpreting the symbolism and a community park for shared activities. For planning your trip, you can choose between a short walk around the park, a longer route with several named stops, or a cultural activity of a set duration.
Circular Walks in Knau: Manor Park or Longer Route
The Knau Nature Trail is a 1.3-kilometre circular walk through the manor park. Its defining features include Masonic design elements, old trees and a rich diversity of birds. The Historical Circular Hiking Trail is listed as 5.2 kilometres in a hiking and cycling map from 2025; it starts at Knau Manor House and passes the Kleines Mordtal, the Oberlandbahn railway and Knau Mill. By comparison, the Nature Trail is much shorter and focuses on the manor park. The Historical Circular Hiking Trail passes several named places, giving it a different focus. Check current trail conditions before setting out.
Manor Park: Birdlife and Garden History
Old trees in the manor park at Knau Manor House contribute to its rich birdlife. Rare hedgerow and meadow birds, as well as cavity-nesting birds, can be spotted there. The park combines opportunities for observing nature with a landscape whose design also has historical associations.
The extensive parkland of the former manor house dates from the 19th century; some of its features are associated with Masonic symbolism. In 1601, the former monastic estate became a manor house under the von Brandenstein family. The history of the estate and the later creation of the park are therefore two distinct points in time. A 90-minute guided tour about Freemasonry in the listed landscape garden explores the meaning of its symbolism and starts in the manor house courtyard. Contact the Tourist Information Office to arrange booking.
A Place to Gather
Opened in 2020, the generations park is a meeting place for visitors and the local community. It provides space for community celebrations, cultural events and leisure activities for people of different ages. If you plan to time your trip around a particular event, check the date in advance.
Neustadt an der Orla: Historic City Highlights
The wider destination of Neustadt an der Orla offers its own focus on the town’s history. The late Gothic town hall grew out of the “stone house” that Landgrave Balthasar gave to the town in 1364 and which was initially used as a storeroom. After extensions and alterations, it was completed in 1509/10; the town hall remains the seat of the local administration. The Luther House on the market square was built before 1450 and underwent several phases of construction. The Museum of Town History presents the town’s history in 13 thematically designed exhibition rooms.
The altar from Lucas Cranach’s workshop also has a clear chronology: the town councillors ordered it in autumn 1511, and it arrived in Neustadt an der Orla in 1513. The market fountain was built in 1987 to mark the town’s 700th anniversary. Its octagonal basin bears guild emblems of craftspeople who had been based there since the Middle Ages.
The “Bornquas” fountain festival is regularly celebrated in Neustadt an der Orla on the third weekend in June; the tradition also includes appointing a fountain master. If you would like to plan your trip around it, check the current event date. The Luther House is largely accessible, and a lift provides access to several levels. Check the current conditions before your visit.
Discover more destinations: Oppurg, ZiegenrĂĽck, Neustadt an der Orla, Neundorf, Blankenstein, Bad Lobenstein, Remptendorf, Plothen.
See the wider travel overview: Saale-Orla.
