Reinhardsbrunn Palace and its context

A truly bucolic idyll in the midst of unspoiled nature and surrounded by the relaxing rustle of the leaves of forest trees: Reinhardsbrunn Palace in the State of Thuringia with its adjacent parkland is a gem of a heritage site and cultural monument with an importance that resonates beyond the borders of the state itself. Architectural splendour and historic diversity come together on what is currently a largely deserted spot. This extensive venue is in the centre of the northwest corner of the Thuringian Forest, at the very core of Germany’s green heart. The elegant complex located near the picturesque spa town of Friedrichroda and close to the residential city of Gotha is also just 20 miles as the crow flies from the state capital Erfurt. This unique area has been dubbed the “Cradle of medieval Thuringia”, has a history reaching back more than 1000 years and has witnessed the changes wrought by the many epochs since 1085.

Deciding to adopt a procedure exceptional in Germany, the Free State of Thuringia expropriated this jewel, the structure of which was at risk due to ongoing neglect. The historic estate here has since been secured and renovated using state governments funds in such a way that its potential usage has yet to be specified. This applies to both the listed structures here and the expansive parkland that extends to nearly 37 acres.

The objective is to generate a sustainable development strategy for Reinhardsbrunn through a broad-based consultation process. The idea is to draft a suitable utilisation concept in active dialogue with various interested parties from a wide range of social groups and to implement this with effect from 2024.