Eat like a knight

Culinary experiences in Thuringia’s castles

Has the excitement of discovering the history of the Reformation at the Wartburg or the oldest German sword at Heldburg Fortress made you hungry? Here is a list of the castles where you can enjoy a hearty meal – like the Germanic people or the knights and ladies in the Middle Ages. Bon appétit!

Thuringian dumplings at the Leuchtenburg Castle

The medieval Leuchtenburg Castle near Seitenroda provides a sweeping view over the Saale Valley and takes you through impressive porcelain worlds. To give you something delicious to put on your porcelain plate, there is a dumpling seminar here. You will make original Thuringian dumplings from fresh potatoes in the traditional manner. You can then eat them in a 3-course meal, whilst learning the history of the local speciality.

Let's go!

Tasty events at Normannstein Castle

The rustic and cosy Normannstein Castle is a knight’s castle in the Werra Valley – where the Werra has cut deep into the shell limestone slopes. By the way, the castle is solely an event location, where you can attend a variety of culinary events. From the annual beer festival to the hearty goose feast or the mulled wine walk, tasty events await you all year round against a medieval backdrop.

Let’s go!

Germanic food at the Funkenburg

Germany’s only reconstruction of a Germanic stronghold, the Funkenburg, is located in northern Thuringia. The open-air archaeological museum does not only provide insights into the lives of settlers from pre-historic times. Groups have the opportunity to taste fresh bread rolls, flatbread or Zuckerkuchen (a sheet cake sprinkled with sugar) produced in a faithfully reconstructed clay oven.

Let’s go!

Medieval banquet at Hohnstein Castle

The ruins of Hohnstein Castle stand on the majestic Schlossberg in South Harz Nature Park and provide a sweeping view of the surrounding area. Beneath the ruins is the Burggasthof, where you can sample a medieval banquet. Heart food is served in rustic earthenware dishes on a festively laid table: Hohnstein soup, fresh farmhouse bread with Harzer cheese, roast pork, salad from the castle garden. The meal is accompanied, as it should be, by exciting stories about the castle and medieval bagpipe music.

Let’s go!

Wine at Petersberg Citadel

On the Petersberg in Erfurt, you will find a former Baroque fortress complex: the Petersberg Citadel – even Napoleon visited it in his day. In the visitor centre, you can find out more about the history of the Petersberg in an interactive exhibition. But what about food and drink? There are fine wines waiting for you here. In the Thüringer Vinarium, wines produced by regional vintners are available to taste and purchase at the “FassBar.” The Vinarium also includes the Genuss-Bastion within the fortress walls, along with the vines. The Benedictines began to grow vines on this very hill in around 1045.

Let's go!

Plant-based food at Tannroda Castle

Tannroda Castle in Weimarer Land captivates visitors with its special concept: Mr and Mrs Bähr have started a foundation and are gradually restoring the 12th century cultural and historical monument. The castle restaurant GastRaum Heinrich offers delicious vegetarian and vegan creations as well as dishes containing regional meat. One highlight is the monthly food and culture event. A specially created menu – with a vegetarian alternative – is served accompanied by music performed by Thuringian artists.

Let's go!