Ettersburg

Hidden high on the Ettersberg, Ettersburg Castle holds a secret. It whispers stories of dukes and duchesses, of renowned artists and thinkers. Ettersburg Castle isn’t just a building. It’s a time capsule, preserving the echoes of 18th-century Germany. Duke Wilhelm Ernst of Saxe-Weimar, drawn by the allure of the hunting grounds, laid the foundation stone between 1706 and 1712. He built the castle in a simple Baroque style upon the remnants of a former Augustinerkloster. Imagine the grand hall of the Old Castle resonating with the melodies of Johann Sebastian Bach. Picture the theatrical performances in the splendid rooms, reflecting the vibrant cultural scene of the Weimar court. This wasn’t just a residence for the dukes of Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach. Ettersburg Castle was a magnet for luminaries like Goethe, Wieland, Liszt, and Herder. Even the great Schiller found solace within these walls, completing his masterpiece “Maria Stuart” in 1800. The castle expanded over the years. The extravagant new castle, a testament to the neoclassical style, stands as a striking symbol of this growth. Duchess Anna Amalia, mother of Duke Carl August, chose Ettersburg as her summer retreat from 1776 to 1780. A unique feature of Ettersburg is the village church. Integrated into the east wing, it was originally the choir of the monastery church. Today, Ettersburg Castle has been revitalized. Following a period as a boarding school and nursing home, extensive renovations between 2006 and 2008 transformed it into a modern conference hotel and cultural center. It continues to be a hub of education, culture, and science, hosting concerts, readings, and scientific events. The surrounding Schlosspark Ettersburg, redesigned in the mid-19th century, is a masterpiece of landscape gardening. Inspired by English gardens, it offers breathtaking views, especially from the “Pücklerschlag.” The restored parterre gardens, with their lavender, thyme, and roses, whisper tales of times gone by. Ettersburg isn’t just a historical landmark. It is a living testament to a rich past and a vibrant present. It’s a place where history comes alive, inviting you to explore its beauty and be inspired by its legacy.