Parks and gardens in Saale-Unstrut - an overview
While Saale-Unstrut is well known for its medieval castles, magnificent cathedrals and centuries-old vineyards, few people know anything about the rich treasure trove of historic gardens and parks. We would like to introduce you to a total of 29 parks and gardens in Saale-Unstrut. From the small Chapter house garden to the extensive castle park, everything is there.
Garden dreams - historical parks in Saxony-Anhalt
1000 became 50 - that's how it all began in 2000. At that time, on the initiative of the state of Saxony-Anhalt, experts selected the most beautiful and significant sites, which represent all the others and draw attention to the colourful diversity of garden dreams. They have now been brought together in the tourist and monument conservation network Gartenträume - Historische Parks in Sachsen-Anhalt. 9 of the 50 garden dreams can be found in Saale-Unstrut and each one is unique in itself.
Ostrava Castle Park
Magnificent old trees can be admired in the Ostrava Castle Park around the baroque castle, including an abundance of plants from distant countries such as gingko, primeval sequoia, bald cypress and Caucasian wing nut. Around 1700, the park was laid out as a baroque garden with an orangery and melonery, but only 60 years later it was redesigned as an English-style landscape park with moats and ponds. The gardener Daniel August Schwarzkopf, who was later appreciated throughout Germany, travelled especially to what is now the United Kingdom to learn more about natural gardening.
The 14-hectare complex was owned for three centuries by the von Veltheim family, who had the former castle converted into a Renaissance palace and later into today's Baroque palace. Memorial stones and graves commemorate them. The stately park trees of today are mainly thanks to the geologist Franz Wilhelm von Veltheim (1785-1839).
The castle park is worth seeing between 15 February and 15 March, when thousands of winter flowers open their blossoms. The Ostrava Castle Association, which takes care of the preservation of the grounds, offers guided tours of the castle and the park on weekends between 1 and 6 pm. The park is open to the public all year round. On weekends and public holidays, the castle café serves homemade cakes and hot chocolate, and in winter, homemade Winterling punch.
Dieskau Castle Park
Hieronymus von Dieskau built the castle during the Renaissance. The 67-hectare park was created at the end of the 18th century in collaboration between Carl Christoph von Hoffmann, who was lord of the castle in Dieskau at the time, and Gottlieb Schoch. The Wörlitz Park served as a model. The extensive landscaping skilfully incorporated the floodplain of the Reidebach stream, terraced ponds were created and canals emphasised design elements. Paths and seating areas opened up the view to many charming vistas towards the castle as well as to small-scale architecture and works of art around the large mill pond. After 1945, the park fell into disrepair: visual axes became overgrown, ponds and canals silted up, buildings fell into disrepair and were demolished.
Since 1998, the park has been in good hands again: the municipality of Kabelsketal restored selected sections with the support of the "Park Dieskau" development association. The park is a valuable habitat for many native plant and animal species, some of which are rare, including about 90 species of breeding birds. The Friends are very active. From May onwards, regular guided tours of the park are organised, each time highlighting a different theme.
Spa Park Bad Lauchstädt
Anyone walking through the magnificent, late Baroque spa complex with its spa hall, colonnades, pavilions and fountain with sandstone balustrade in the Goethe town of Bad Lauchstädt can get a sense of the town's former stroll. The Dresden court moved its summer residence here in 1775 and commissioned the collegiate architect Johann Wilhelm Chryselius to redesign the spa facilities. As a result, Lauchstädt quickly gained a reputation as a luxury and fashionable spa. There was talk of the "Saxon Pyrmont". This also attracted greats like Johann Wolfgang von Goethe and Friedrich Schiller. In 1802 Goethe opened a modern theatre of supra-regional appeal, whose original stage technology still functions today and continues to be used. The spa, however, came to an end in 1941. The eastern part of the garden is characterised by flowering flowerbeds, hedges cut into shape and avenues of trees. The western part along the Laucha River is modelled on an English landscape park.
Extra tip
The spa facilities are freely accessible. Guided tours can be booked all year round for groups of five or more. However, if you are ever in Bad Lauchstädt, please be sure to check the Goethe Theatre's schedule and attend one of the performances.
Merseburg Castle Garden
The palace garden in Merseburg was also initially laid out as a baroque garden, but was later redesigned as a landscape garden. It is located behind the cathedral-castle ensemble towering far above the Saale. In the middle of the 17th century, Duke Christian I of Saxony-Anhalt had a Baroque pleasure garden designed. At the beginning of the 18th century, sculptor and master builder Michael Hoppenhaupt added a pavilion for garden parties to the palace garden salon. In the 19th century, the area was transformed into a landscape park according to plans by the important garden artist Peter Joseph Lenné. In 1968, the garden was redesigned in a formal style.
Experience tip
The Merseburg Castle Garden is freely accessible. It is one of the parks and gardens in Saale-Unstrut where events take place regularly. The castle moat nights in summer are an annual highlight. Exhibitions and concerts are held in the Schlossgarten Salon, which is located at the northern end of the grounds.
Baroque Garden and Landscape Park Mücheln
Not far from the Geiseltalsee lake, which was newly created from a flooded open-cast mine, is an idyllic gem in Saale-Unstrut: the moated castle of St. Ulrich, which combines a terraced baroque garden with an English landscape garden.
The unusual thing: Both gardens were created at the same time around 1720. A high wall made of limestone surrounds the baroque garden. It has been preserved until today and has been rebuilt true to the original. Above the terraced garden is a tea house in the neo-classical style, which has been extensively renovated. The 10-hectare landscape park is home to over 250-year-old trees.
The park is open all year round, but the tea house is private property and only accessible on selected days of the year.
Spa gardens Bad Dürrenberg
Until April 2024, the Bad Dürrenberg spa park will unfortunately remain closed to interested visitors, as construction work and preparatory measures for the Saxony-Anhalt Regional Garden Show 2024 are currently taking place here. But then it will become one of the most radiant parks and gardens in Saale-Unstrut, as it will be transformed into an unimagined sea of flowers.
The spa gardens with their well-tended flowerbeds and lawns as well as the 90-year-old palm trees in the palm house have always been a centre of attraction. Even today, it conveys the flair of the former spa business, characterised by Europe's largest connected graduation works. Even outside the park, the graduation works are impressive. The salty smell of brine is in the air everywhere. A walk along the graduation works and a stay in the cold inhalation hall will ensure that you recharge your batteries and find relaxation.
Experience tip
The State Garden Show will take place in Bad Dürrenberg from 19 April to 13 October 2024. Make a note of this date. You can find out more here: www.laga-badduerrenberg.de
Burgscheidungen Castle Park
Not all parks and gardens in Saale-Unstrut are granted a bright existence. After a chequered history and various owners, the fate of Burgscheidungen Castle and Park is still uncertain. At present, the complex is completely closed and no longer accessible. Unfortunately, it is unknown when this will change.
The castle park with its terraced slope and grotto is surrounded by a canal fed by the Unstrut. 11 large figures by the Altenburg sculptor Joseph Blühme adorn the lawn slopes of the terraced garden. The former Baroque pleasure garden adjoining the slope in the valley was landscaped at the end of the 18th century and is home to an impressive stock of old trees.
Naumburg Cathedral Garden
The cathedral garden at Naumburg Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has only been open to the public again since 2011. Before that, it was extensively reconstructed and provided with new design elements. The approximately one-hectare cathedral garden adjoins the early Gothic west choir. Old ponds, bastions of the medieval wall and the gardens of the former canons' houses were integrated. The "Garden of the Naumburg Master" has a modern design. Here you can find the plants that the unknown Naumburg Master filigree carved in stone in the cathedral.
The cathedral garden is accessible during the opening hours of Naumburg Cathedral and with a valid cathedral admission ticket. During some events, such as the Naumburg Master Market, it can be visited free of charge. If you like, you are welcome to book a guided tour of the cathedral garden. Information on this is available at the Visitor service of the Naumburg Cathedral.
Zeitz Palace Park
In Zeitz, baroque meets modern, for the early baroque Moritzburg Castle forms a unique synthesis of the arts with the Gothic cathedral of St. Peter and Paul, the defensive fortifications and the varied castle park. In summer, the park is full of life. It is not only the insects that cavort in the flowerbeds. Many children also romp on the modern playgrounds and walkers stroll through Rossner Park. But the fact that Zeitz Castle Park is attractive to everyone is shown by the fact that sports enthusiasts can hold a tournament on the beach volleyball court or practise their climbing skills on the moat wall. Music lovers can listen to concerts at Johannisteich, while bridal couples say their wedding vows in the Japanese Garden.
For Saxony-Anhalt's first State Garden Show in 2004, the historic gardens around the palace, which was built in the mid-17th century by the Dukes of Saxony-Zeitz as their residence, were redesigned. Since then, the orangery and the bathhouse have once again become real attractions. The ducal pleasure garden was transformed into an ensemble of themed gardens whose beds reflect the different times of day. The gardens are maintained by dedicated patrons who are connected to their city.
The castle park is open from 30 March to 31 October. A small fee is charged for the visit. Guided tours of the park can be booked at the Tourist information of the city be booked.
In sacred places
When we talk about parks and gardens in Saale-Unstrut, we don't just mean the large ones. The smaller ones in particular have their own special charm, especially when they are located in places like monasteries and cathedrals.
Memleben Monastery Garden
The monastery garden is located south of the 13th century monastery church and consists of two areas: The landscape garden, which dates back to the 19th century, is primarily intended for recreation, while the "New Monastery Garden", which was laid out in 2004-2005, is inspired by medieval gardens.
For Saxony-Anhalt's first State Garden Show in 2004, the historic gardens around the palace, which was built in the mid-17th century by the Dukes of Saxony-Zeitz as their residence, were redesigned. Since then, the orangery and the bathhouse have once again become real attractions. The ducal pleasure garden was transformed into an ensemble of themed gardens whose beds reflect the different times of day. The gardens are maintained by dedicated patrons who are connected to their city.
The monastery garden is open during the regular opening hours of the Museum Kloster und Kaiserpfalz Memleben. If you ask the staff on site when the perfect time to visit is, you will get the following answer: The garden greens and blossoms in its greatest variety and beauty in the transitional period from spring to summer.
Chapter House Garden Merseburg
A beautiful little garden is hidden in the grounds of Merseburg Cathedral. It adjoins the chapter house and is designed according to the baroque model. From the terraced garden, you have a fascinating view of the floodplain landscape of the Saale all the way to the Romanesque Neumarktkirche. There is a special atmosphere here at all times of the year. You will find roses, lavender and long rows of sedum. In between, fragrant quince trees grow and flourish, reminiscent of the old orchard of the canons of Merseburg.
With a valid Cathedral admission ticket, the Chapter House Garden is accessible all year round. Exceptions are frosty weather conditions.
Even more castle and spa parks
The gardens and parks in Saale-Unstrut are closely linked to our castles and health resorts. The dukes usually brought in renowned garden architects to realise their dream parks. At the spa and health resorts, the green spaces were more for recreation and relaxation.
Gardens of the Dornburg Castles
The Dornburg castle gardens are spread over an area of approximately four hectares and combine the landscape garden at the Renaissance castle, the geometrically designed garden in front of the rococo castle and the fruit and grass garden at the old castle. Since the 18th century, the gardens have gradually become what they are today. The ensemble was already extremely popular in the 19th century, especially as the summer residence of the Grand Dukes of Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach. At that time, the court gardener Carl August Christian Sckell combined the former individual gardens into an ensemble. Even Johann Wolfgang von Goethe could not escape the charm.
The rugged cliffs down to the Saale, on which the castles were built, were transformed from pure steep slopes into vineyards from 1736 onwards. Later, the ash walk, the tea place with the "acacias", the rose arbour walk and numerous rose trellises including the meandering paths, groves and flower beds gave the gardens more and more of their present appearance.
The castle gardens are open all year round from 9 am to sunset. You can move freely around the grounds and enjoy the plant diversity and garden design at any time of year.
Bad Sulza Spa Park
You would certainly not have expected such a spacious and beautiful spa park in the style of an English landscape park in the small town of Bad Sulza: dreamy corners, flowering beds and shady benches are spread over 4.5 hectares. The music shell serves as entertainment and is used for spa concerts and events. Directly in sight of it is the Trinkhalle (drinking hall), where you can taste Bad Sulza's brine once or use it for a drinking cure during a longer stay at the spa. There is even a Luther oak here. It was planted on the occasion of Martin Luther's 400th birthday in 1883 and still stands today. A popular attraction is the swan pond, where there are plenty of animal visitors every day.
The best way to discover the spa park is to take a walk from the Louise graduation house. It is freely accessible all year round. Please also pay a visit to the tourist information office. It has modern furnishings, will introduce you to the Saale-Unstrut wine region, provides interesting information about the brine and invites you to try regional products such as brine sweets, brine jam and, of course, wine.
Extra tip: Auerworld Palace in Auerstedt
You can also see how impressive green architecture can be in Auerstedt near Bad Sulza. The largest living willow structure in the world is located here. The futuristic Auerworldpalast was built in 1998 by 300 volunteers from all over the world under the direction of the Swiss architect Marcel Kalberer and the group Gentle Structures.
Spa Park Bad Kösen
The spa gardens in Bad Kösen are located right next to the railway station and are divided in two by the Saale River, but reconnected by a hiking trail and a small passenger ferry. The plans for the park were drawn up by the garden architect Peter Joseph Lenné (1780-1866), who was also the general director of the Royal Prussian Gardens.
In the Lower Spa Park you can take a relaxed stroll along the winding paths and discover a number of things, such as the former medical baths, the Kneipp treading pool, the swan pond and the historic brine drinking hall. A small zoo will delight the youngest visitors. Directly at the swan pond is the "kösalina" spa centre, which is used for the treatment and prevention of respiratory diseases and diseases of the musculoskeletal system and is equipped with a brine thermal motion pool, a salt grotto and a sauna area.
The small cross-cable ferry to the Loreleypromenade on the other bank of the Saale is operated during the summer months. Afterwards, an ascent awaits you to the Upper Spa Park with graduation house and open-air inhalatorium, viewpoints and a concert shell where spa concerts take place in summer.
Experience tip
The magnolia blossom in April is particularly impressive. The boat that takes you to Rudelsburg Castle and back also departs from the pier at Unterer Kurpark. The trip takes about 30 minutes. However, you should be well on foot if you dare to make the ascent from the pier to the castle.
Spa Park Bad Klosterlausnitz
The spa park in Bad Klosterlausnitz is directly connected to the Kurmittelhaus and the spa clinic. During a walk you can discover a herb garden, the bird aviary and a pond. If you also want to do something for your health while walking, it is best to master the foot feeling course once or several times. Younger guests will certainly enjoy the children's playground and the open-air chess field. A heather garden with sun deck, a Kneipp treading pool, a small fitness park and several water games also provide variety. As in Bad Sulza, a park stage is waiting to be used in Bad Klosterlausnitz. In the summer season, concerts and events provide entertainment.
Köstritzer Park and Dahlia Centre
Formerly a castle park in the style of a Baroque pleasure garden, today an English landscape park - this is how the Köstritz park changed as early as the 18th century. The park ponds, a castle bridge and the "Amalienstein" as well as a small classical round temple have been preserved. Younger guests will love the small animal enclosure.
Today, Bad Köstritz is better known for its dark beer. Flower fans, however, will certainly know the colourful side of Bad Köstritz: the Dahlia Centre. For over 200 years, Bad Köstritz has been a place of flowers and nurseries. Near the park is the Dahlia Centre with the German Dahlia Archive, a permanent exhibition and the educational and show garden. Every year in September, the Dahlia Festival attracts guests to the town.
Eisenberg Castle Garden
Eisenberg Castle Park is an outstanding monument of garden art in Thuringia and is a listed historical garden. It is located on the edge of the historic old town, directly adjacent to the Christiansburg castle complex, which is now used by the district administration. The garden complex is characterised by the architecture and garden art of various epochs since the 17th century. A jewel is the arched garden, which is at least 300 years old and whose basic elements have been preserved to this day. Visitors are also fascinated by the tree garden laid out in the 19th century, which, together with the pavilion in the herb garden, is typical of classicist garden architecture.
A stroll through the different areas reveals much more: Several sightlines and vistas incorporate the surrounding landscape into the garden design and visually expand the park.
You can visit the castle park all year round. Only the herb garden is subject to seasonal restrictions.
Extra tip: Castle church and zoo
If you are already in the area, please be sure to take a look at the castle church. With its stucco work and paintings, it is one of the most beautiful baroque churches in Thuringia. You can also reach a small zoo on foot. So if you're out and about with the kids, the animals will provide a welcome change.
Kochberg Castle Park
The park at Kochberg Palace is closely associated with the famous names Johann Wolfgang von Goethe and Charlotte von Stein. Charlotte von Stein had her country residence here, so she could often stroll through the grounds together with Goethe. Anyone who visits Kochberg Castle therefore comes incredibly close to the relationship between the two.
But even without the famous names, the park is a gem among gardens. The magnificent landscape park, about six hectares in size, is an idyll. The von Stein family took care of its maintenance and development from the 18th to the 19th century. Magnificent old trees line winding paths and lead to enchanted places, such as a ruined tower or a pleasure grotto. A water channel, which has its origins in a bathing pond with a bathhouse, runs through the entire grounds.
You should also not miss the heart and extraordinary jewel of the park: the Flower Theatre. Beds, flowers and boxwood create perfectly shaped motifs that follow Goethe's colour wheel in their colouring. If you walk up the flower stairs to the canvas house, you will have the best view back at nature's play of colours.
Extra tip
Please also take a look at the current programme of the Liebhabertheater Schloss Kochberg. Attending a performance will be a crowning finale to your visit.
Where it continues to green and blossom ...
When we think of parks and gardens in Saale-Unstrut, we tend to think of the representative green spaces created by important garden landscape designers. However, people's parks and botanical gardens are also popular places to stay for those of us who long for the living green.
Jena Paradise in Volkspark Oberaue
Are you looking for the shortest way to paradise? Then please make sure you go to Jena, because you will find paradise right in the middle of Jena's city centre. It is the green oasis and "play" place for young and old, because the nature reserve consisting of three generously spaced green areas is a place for sport, play and relaxation.
Since 2002, Jena Paradies Park has even been classified as a cultural monument. The park consists of the green spaces Rasenmühleninsel, Paradies and Oberaue. In the 1970s, new park architecture was created, such as the glass house and the bowling alley, which is now used as Jena's longest covered picnic bench. In addition to a large children's playground, a slackline facility and a skate park, you will find covered seating and tables for picnics or other social gatherings.
You can visit the facilities all year round and indulge your desire to be active in the fresh air. There are only time restrictions for the use of the skate park and the slackline facility.
Drackendorf Park
In the 19th century, many people were concerned with the subject of landscape design and this had an impact on the parks and gardens in Saale-Unstrut in many places. For example, the owner of the Drackendorf estate, Baron von Ziegesar, had his park redesigned as an English landscape garden. Goethe ennobled these efforts with numerous visits, and the baron's youngest daughter may have been another reason for his visits.
The architectural eye-catcher is a small tea pavilion built in 1853/54 in the old Roman style. Two majestic oaks, planted in the 19th century by noble scions of the House of Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach, now provide sufficient shade on sunny days.
Extra tip
The Blue Flower "blossoms" right next to the park. The Romantic longing motif marks a hiking trail that led Friedrich von Hardenberg (Novalis) from the nearby parental estate in Schlöben via Drackendorf to Jena.
Jena Botanical Garden
The botanical garden in Jena is located in the centre of the city and is an institution of the Friedrich Schiller University. A botanical paradise on an area of only 4.5 hectares. The greenhouses and outdoor areas are home to around 10,000 different plant species: from cacti and tropical plants to deciduous and coniferous plants, everything is on offer. In addition, the greenhouses and outdoor areas are set up to best show off the portfolio of shapes, colours and fragrances.
The Jena Botanical Garden is open daily all year round (except 24 and 31 December). Please note that your visit is subject to an entrance fee.
Plastic Park in the Garden City of Leuna
When you think of Leuna, you certainly don't immediately think of it as an example of the parks and gardens in Saale-Unstrut - yet it is. The park with sculptures is idyllically situated on the slope of the Saale in the garden city of Leuna, directly on the Saale cycle path. 31 sculptures and reliefs from the collection of the Kunstmuseum Moritzburg Halle (Saale) were created between 1947 and 1967 and can be viewed in the well-tended park with its extensive lawns and signposted trees. A map of the park, the works of art and the signposted tree trail is available at the city information centre in Rudolf-Breitscheid-Straße 18.
A QR code is attached to all exhibits, which you can use to access short videos about the artwork and artist. Two overview boards at the entrances to the park provide an overview of the park. If you prefer to use GPS navigation, the "Where am I?" function makes it easy to locate yourself at the artwork without an extra app and access the same information. Children are also catered for: a playground and fitness equipment invite them to play and linger.
Extra tip
Take a virtual tour of the park! Panoramic views and aerial photographs provide an insight and overview of the park. The locations of the 31 sculptures and reliefs are shown on the site plan and can be clicked on directly. Clicking takes you directly to the work of art, from where you can start a video on the selected sculpture.
Hunting Residence Hummelshain
The unusual abundance of forests and game once attracted electors, dukes and even Kaiser Wilhelm II to Hummelshain. The healthy air, the two castles and the park and hunting grounds were what made a stay in Hummelshain so fascinating. Today, the hunting residence, consisting of the Old and New Hunting Lodge and the castle park, is one of the insider tips in Saale-Unstrut.
The palace park was created from 1830 onwards from the former Hetzgarten, a hunting estate of the Dukes of Saxe-Gotha-Altenburg, and as a landscape park is characterised by German garden art in the late landscape style of the 19th century. Although it is now private property, it is open to the public during regular opening hours: April to October daily from 10.00 to 18.00, November to March daily from 10.00 to 16.00.
Small but beautiful parks and gardens in Saale-Unstrut
Novalis Garden Weißenfels
The garden, which adjoins the Novalis memorial, is famous for its Novalis rose, a lavender-blue bedding rose. The garden and memorial commemorate the life and work of the Romantic Novalis, whose civil name was Friedrich von Hardenberg.
South Park Merseburg
The Südpark in Merseburg is the green heart of the city and a popular destination for locals. In addition to a children's playground with climbing facilities for the younger visitors, there is a streetball facility for youngsters, for example. The main attraction of the Südpark, however, is the local animal park with around 300 animals.
Extra tip
Not far from the Südpark and easily accessible by a walk are the green spaces of the Vorderer and Hinterer Gotthardteich with a rose garden that extends into the Südpark.
Griesbach Garden in Jena
Right next to the Planetarium in Jena you will find the Griesbach Garden House. In the early 19th century, it was the summer residence of Jena theology professor Jakob Griesbach (1745-1812) and was already so idyllic at the time that it mutated into a popular attraction for many personalities. The garden house includes a large English garden, which is also called the princess garden by the locals. Why? Because the Grand Duchess Maria Pavlovna and her daughters once ennobled the grounds with an extended stay. Today, the garden house is used by the Friedrich Schiller University, but the park is freely accessible.
Schiller's garden
Friedrich Schiller was very enthusiastic about Jena. How else can it be explained that he stayed here on and off for 10 years, longer than anywhere else? His garden house is still preserved as a public place of remembrance - and with it the associated garden, which could be reconstructed according to historical models. Today, there are more monuments to Schiller in the Schiller Garden than in almost any other place in Germany. Certainly also because he put numerous ballads and large parts of famous dramas to paper in this harmonious place. His garden house can be visited. The garden with its garden pinnacle and kitchen house is also open to the public on a regular basis. You should not miss the old oval stone table: Schiller and Goethe are said to have often sat here together and exchanged ideas. Can you feel the poetic aura?
Martzschpark Lützen
Karl Louis Martzsch (1830-1897), after whom the park in Lützen was named, was a former landowner from Treben and childless. His friendly relationship with the mayor at the time prompted him to donate the grounds to the town of Lützen.
Today, Martzschpark is a popular destination for families, as an animal park and a climbing forest provide variety.
Civic Garden Naumburg
The Naumburg Bürgergarten is a park of around 20 hectares on the southern outskirts of Naumburg. It was always intended as a people's park. Laid out at the end of the 18th century, it was given its present name at the beginning of the 19th century. Due to its uphill location, the different areas are terraced.
Depending on when which area was created, the style and layout differ. The grounds are so open that they blend almost seamlessly into the surrounding landscape. On your way through the park, you will encounter sculptures and memorial stones from different centuries. Particularly picturesque is the rose garden, which is laid out like a roundabout and is not far from the excursion pub "Zum Bürgergarten". Jahn, the father of gymnastics, also left his mark here, even if today only a memorial stone reminds us of the gymnastics field established in 1845.
