Burg Lohra, Medieval castle in Großlohra, Germany
Burg Lohra is a medieval castle near Großlohra organized into three areas: a fortified core, an outer courtyard, and open grounds with orchards. The entire complex covers roughly ten hectares and shows the typical layout of a noble residence.
The castle was first mentioned in 1116 and served as a seat of the counts of Lare, who maintained close ties with the Staufer dynasty. This powerful family shaped the castle during its period as an important regional stronghold.
The double chapel shows how society was organized then, with nobility praying upstairs while common people worshipped downstairs. You can still see this division of space when you visit today.
Visitors should know that the castle sits on a mountain spur and access may vary depending on the season. Wear sturdy shoes since the ground is uneven and some paths are not paved.
The site sits above 410 meters elevation and offers views across the Hainleite ridge and surrounding protected landscape. This high position was valuable not just for defense but also shaped how residents experienced the land below.
Location: Großlohra
GPS coordinates: 51.41390,10.63030
Latest update: December 6, 2025 17:41
Thuringia contains a notable variety of historic sites, from medieval castles on wooded heights to baroque palaces in landscaped parks. The region preserves Romanesque monastic complexes such as Paulinzella, Renaissance residences including Wilhelmsburg in Schmalkalden, and significant collections like the Lindenau Museum in Altenburg. Beyond architectural landmarks, Thuringia offers geological features: the Saalfeld Fairy Grottoes are considered the most colorful show mine in the world, the Barbarossa Cave near Rottleben is one of Europe's largest anhydrite caves, and the Morassina healing caves in Schmiedefeld have served therapeutic purposes since the 19th century. Cultural institutions range from technical museums such as the Ziegenrück hydroelectric power museum to the Apolda bell foundry museum and botanical installations like the Japanese garden in Bad Langensalza. Historic transportation systems including the Oberweissbach mountain railway, which has covered a vertical rise of 1,060 feet (323 meters) since 1923, complement the offerings. Natural monuments such as the Dragon Gorge near Eisenach, a narrow ravine with rock walls reaching 33 feet (10 meters) in height, and viewpoints like Leuchtenburg above the Saale valley combine natural and cultural experiences.
Münchenlohra Abbey
2.7 km
Wöbelsburg
5.2 km
Burgruine Zengenberg an der Hainleite
6.6 km
Schloss Niedergebra
2.6 km
St.-Marien-Kirche Bleicherode
5 km
Kirche Elende
2 km
Menhir of Nohra
6.1 km
Schloss Almerswind
4.8 km
Westliche Hainleite
2.6 km
St. Nikolai
2.3 km
St. Maria Magdalena (Hainrode)
4.7 km
St. Petri (Sollstedt)
6.4 km
St. Johannis (Nohra)
5.4 km
Church in Pustleben
4.7 km
St. Bonifatius (Friedrichslohra, römisch-katholisch)
599 m
St. Johannis
7.1 km
St. Stephanus (Großwenden)
1.1 km
St. Johannis
3.4 km
St. Andreas
4.6 km
St. Juliana (Wollersleben)
7.1 km
Evangelische Kirche St. Bonifatius
636 m
St. Petri (Oberdorf)
4.8 km
St. Martin (Kehmstedt)
6.8 km
Burgkapelle Lohra
12 m
War memorial Nohra (Wipper)
5.4 km
St. Johannis (Sondershausen)
4.7 km
Westliche Hainleite - Wöbelsburg
2.6 km
War memorial Niedergebra
2.2 kmReviews
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