Knau: Manor Park, Birdlife and Historic Trails

Discover Knau through its historic manor park, birdlife and hiking trails. The nature trail is a 1.3-kilometre circular route through Knau Manor Park. Masonic design elements, mature trees and great ornithological diversity shape its character. The loop therefore focuses on both park design and nature.

Hiking Trails and Nature in the Manor Park

In the manor park at Knau Manor, old trees contribute to its ornithological diversity. Visitors can observe rare hedge and meadow birds as well as cavity-nesting birds. For anyone interested in nature watching, this is a specific reason to look out for the different groups of birds while out for a walk.

A 2025 hiking and cycling map describes a second route: the 5.2-kilometre Historic Circular Trail starts at Knau Manor and passes Kleines Mordtal, the Oberlandbahn railway and Knau Mill. It is considerably longer than the nature trail. While the latter runs as a loop through the manor park, the map lists three further stops along the historic route.

Park History and Freemasonry

The extensive parkland of the former manor dates from the 19th century. Features of the park are associated with the symbolic language of the Freemasons. A 90-minute tour on Freemasonry in the listed landscape garden also explores the interpretation of this symbolism. It begins in the manor courtyard. Please check booking arrangements with the Tourist Information Office.

In 1601, the former monastic estate in Knau became a manor belonging to the von Brandenstein family. This historical connection adds context to the later park: in Knau, early local history and the design of the 19th-century landscape garden come together.

Another Meeting Place in Knau

Opened in 2020, the multigenerational park offers a different focus. It is a meeting place for visitors and the local community, with space for shared celebrations, cultural events and leisure activities for all ages. If you are planning a specific use, check the current conditions beforehand.

Culture in Neustadt an der Orla

The wider destination of Neustadt an der Orla offers its own urban cultural focus. The Late Gothic town hall originated as a stone house that Landgrave Balthasar gave to the town in 1364 and that was initially used as a storage building. Extensions and alterations were completed in 1509/10; it remains the seat of the administration to this day.

The Luther House on the market square in Neustadt an der Orla was built before 1450 and underwent several phases of construction. It is largely accessible to visitors with limited mobility; a lift provides access to various levels. Check the current conditions before planning your visit. The Museum of Local History presents the town’s history in 13 themed exhibition rooms.

The market fountain also tells a story about Neustadt an der Orla: it was built in 1987 to mark the town’s 700th anniversary. The octagonal basin bears the guild symbols of the craftspeople who had been based there since the Middle Ages. The Bornquas fountain festival is regularly celebrated on the third weekend in June; traditions also include appointing a fountain master.

This distinction helps guide your search for accommodation without treating the different places and their offerings as if they were the same.

Discover More Destinations

Langenorla, Stanau, Schleiz, Neustadt an der Orla, Blankenstein, Tanna, Wurzbach, Gefell

For the wider travel overview: Saale-Orla.