Jagdhaus Gabelbach, Historical hunting lodge in Ilmenau, Germany
Jagdhaus Gabelbach is a late Baroque building with simple lines standing about three kilometers south of Ilmenau in the Thuringian Forest. The residence features exhibition rooms displaying historical objects related to hunting, forestry, and scientific research.
The lodge was built in 1783 by Duke Carl August of Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach as a hunting residence and guest house. It emerged during an era when nobility began to systematically explore and manage their lands.
The lodge reflects the duke's passion for hunting alongside the scientific interests of his era, visible through period weapons and forestry tools on display. Visitors can experience how nobility and nature intertwined in that time.
The museum operates on most days of the week, with visiting hours varying between winter and summer seasons. Visitors should check the exact opening times in advance, as they differ depending on the season.
The ground floor hosts an exhibition about the Kickelhahn forest district, revealing connections to Goethe's visits to the area. The poet came here multiple times, and his observations shaped his understanding of the natural world.
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