The Thuringia countryside is dotted with numerous preserved
castles representing every era, from the age of Germanic
migrations to more recent times. Prehistoric and early
historical ramparts, high medieval castles and imperial palaces,
plus dynastic seats from the late Middle Ages characterise the
landscape. These monuments – some of which date back more than
1,000 years – have borne witness to historic events and the
lives of notable figures. Idealised by Goethe, the mightiest of
them all is Wartburg Castle, which was built in 1067 on a
plateau overlooking Eisenach. This UNESCO World Heritage site is
where Martin Luther translated the New Testament from Greek into
German in 1521/22. The castle also hosted the German student
fraternities' festival in 1817. As the route continues, it
visits remarkable reminders of the Middle Ages, including the
Bastille in Weimar, Coburg Fortress, Castle Creuzburg in the
Werra valley and the trio of castles at Drei Gleichen.
Kapellendorf moated castle dates from the 12th cent