Bad Blankenburg: Fröbel, the Castle and Hiking Trails

Discover Bad Blankenburg through a range of interests: the history of Friedrich Fröbel, Greifenstein Castle, first documented in 1208, and hiking trails at the entrance to the Schwarzatal valley. Culture, brewing tradition and a specific circular hike give your stay a variety of focal points.

Fröbel’s Story and Greifenstein Castle

The exhibition area of the Friedrich Fröbel Museum is dedicated to Friedrich Fröbel’s life and his first kindergarten in Bad Blankenburg. Those interested in the history of kindergarten can explore it through the person and his biography. The museum can be reached by regional train in one hour from Erfurt and 90 minutes from Jena. Check the timetable for your travel date.

Greifenstein Castle offers a different historical perspective. It stands high above Bad Blankenburg at the entrance to the picturesque Schwarzatal valley and was first documented in 1208. An exhibition in the castle museum traces the history of the castle. The Fröbel Museum and the castle museum therefore cover different topics: Fröbel’s life and his first kindergarten at one, and the history of the building at the other.

Starting a Hike in the Schwarzatal

The starting point for hikes in Bad Blankenburg is at the entrance to the Schwarzatal valley, specifically at the hiking car park at the Chrysopraswehr weir. One route from there is the five-kilometre circular Felsenpfad am Goldberg trail. Its stated length gives you a practical guide for planning your day. Alongside visits to the museum and castle, you have a clearly identified hiking option, without having to focus your stay on just one theme.

Across the wider Saalfeld-Rudolstadt destination, the hiking landscape stretches from the Saale valley to the Thuringian Forest. Its described features include quiet forests, expansive views and cultural and historical sights along the trails. The Hohenwarte Reservoir Trail is a quality hiking trail certified by the German Hiking Association and offers nature experiences on well-marked routes. The Saale Cycle Route also combines nature and culture there with well-developed cycling infrastructure.

The wider Saalfeld-Rudolstadt destination also offers a choice of canoe trips on the Saale, both leisurely and more challenging. Boats can be rented at various locations, and guided tours and raft trips are available; provider availability may vary by season. These regional activities offer an additional perspective for planning your trip; they do not describe the local hiking trails in Bad Blankenburg.

Brewing Tradition and Tasting

Beer has been brewed in Watzdorf since 1411, making Watzdorf Brewery one of Germany’s oldest brewing sites. A brewery tour with tasting offers insights into the historic brewhouse, the modern brewing facility and the bottling process. The visit also includes the brewery museum and a film screening. The tour thus combines a look at the history of brewing with insights into the present-day facilities and a tasting. If you plan to take the tour, check your preferred date in advance.

Plan your arrival and day around these activities; check the timetable for the regional train to the museum and the date for the tour.

Discover more destinations: Oberweißbach/Thuringian Forest, Großkochberg, Unterweißbach, Remda-Teichel, Meura, Barigau, Drognitz, Piesau.

See the wider travel overview: Saalfeld-Rudolstadt.