Burg Tannroda

Burg Tannroda is a castle perched on the Lindenberg hill overlooking the Ilm River valley, featuring a distinctive round tower and restored residential buildings from its medieval period. The site displays the original layout of the fortress with its defensive structures still visible today.

The castle was built between 1100 and 1200 and served as the seat of the lords of Tannrode until its destruction in 1465 by citizens from Erfurt and Weimar. The site was later rebuilt in modified form, but much of the original defensive structure remained lost.

The castle houses a basket-making museum in its north wing that displays traditional craftsmanship techniques passed down through generations. Visitors can observe how this craft shaped the local economy and daily life.

The round tower and interior areas are open to visitors during daytime hours, allowing access via stairs for views over the surrounding landscape. Guided tours are available and should be arranged in advance for a more informative experience.

The fortress originally consisted of two separate sections: the Blue Castle that survives today and the Red Castle that was demolished after a fire in 1775. This dual structure was unusual for fortifications of that era and reflects a distinctive defensive approach.

Location: Bad Berka

Inception: 1100

GPS coordinates: 50.85870,11.24390

Latest update: December 8, 2025 21:05