Altenstein Palace, Park & Cave
Schloss und Park Altenstein, Altensteiner Höhle
The summer residence of the Dukes of Saxe-Meiningen, with a 19th-century English landscape garden. A limestone cave beneath the grounds is said to be where Luther was 'kidnapped'.
Altenstein Palace was the summer residence of the Dukes of Saxe-Meiningen. It is surrounded by a 19th-century English landscape garden, with small pavilions and viewing terraces built on the rocks, and the garden is free to visit. Beneath the grounds, the Altenstein Cave offers a guided tour of about 45 minutes, with an underground lake and streams. According to legend, in 1521 Luther was 'kidnapped' near here on his return from Worms and taken to the Wartburg for protection, and a monument stands by the road. It is about 20 km south of Eisenach, near Bad Liebenstein.
Opening hours
Park open all day; cave tours about Apr–Oct
Nearby sights
- Großer Inselsberg
- Drachenschlucht
- Burschenschaft Monument
- Reuter-Wagner-Museum
- Wartburg Castle
- Bach House Eisenach
- Lutherhaus Eisenach
- Market Square & St. George's Church