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State Development Corporation of Thuringia (LEG Thüringen)

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Perspective Reinhardsbrunn Castle

A true idyll surrounded by unspoiled nature and rustling forests: Reinhardsbrunn Castle in Thuringia, with its adjacent parklands, is a precious architectural and cultural monument of supra-regional importance. On currently deserted grounds, architectural splendor and historical diversity converge. The expansive estate, nestled in the northwestern Thuringian Forest, lies in the heart of Germany's green region. Not far from the ducal residence of Gotha, and just under 35 kilometers (as the crow flies) from the state capital of Erfurt, the elegant property is situated in the beautiful spa town of Friedrichroda. The unique Location It is considered the "cradle of medieval Thuringia" and looks back on a history of more than 1,000 years, shaped by the changes of numerous eras since 1085.

In a process unique in Germany, the Free State of Thuringia succeeded in 2021 in expropriating the owners of Reinhardsbrunn Castle, which was threatened by neglect and structural damage. Since then, the property, situated on historic grounds, has been secured and renovated using state funds in a way that is neutral with regard to its use. This applies to both the listed buildings and the extensive parkland, which covers a total of 15 hectares.

The aim is to develop a sustainable development strategy for Reinhardsbrunn through a broad, participatory process. With the active involvement of diverse stakeholders from various sectors of our society, a future-oriented usage concept will be developed and implemented collaboratively.

Opening event

On June 9, 2023, approximately 60 invited experts and stakeholders met at the AHORN Berghotel Friedrichroda. During an expert conference, the next steps in the future development process for Reinhardsbrunn Castle were discussed in detail, the results of the professional exchange were presented, and a concrete development strategy was jointly defined. After introductory remarks by Minister-President Bodo Ramelow and State Secretary Tina Beer, the project team from LEG Thüringen provided comprehensive information about the site. Project developer Frank Sonnabend presented the Erfurt Defensionskaserne (defense barracks) as a current best practice example.

Further information

Project phases Overview of the user identification process

  • PHASE 0 - Q1/2023

    Comprehensive project analysis and goal definition

    The project team will define the tasks and process parameters for 2023.

  • Phase 1 - Q2/2023

    Kick-off event in Friedrichroda: Expert conference on future use

    Presentation and tour of the property, integration of the site into the region and the Free State of Thuringia, expert presentations, panel discussion with politicians, presentation of the further procedure and joint agreement on the development strategy.

    All details about the event

  • PHASE 2 - Q4/2023

    Methods for generating usage ideas

    Collection, recording and evaluation of diverse usage ideas, taking into account the specific conditions of the location and involving a wide variety of stakeholders from different areas of our society.

    Important dates at a glance:

    September 1, 2023 - Publication of the task description
    October 6, 2023 - Submission of usage ideas
    October 18, 2023 - Jury Meeting

  • PHASE 3 - Q1-Q2/2024

    Master plan: Reinhardsbrunn perspective

    June 13, 2024 – Public presentation: Master plan for the development of Reinhardsbrunn Castle and Park

    Master plan

  • PHASE 4 - Q3/2024-Q1/2025

    Finalization of project goals

    Economic feasibility studies / investment calculations
    possibly architectural specification of sub-areas
    Development concept

  • PHASE 5 - from Q2/2024

    Finalization of the usage concept

    Preparation for the implementation of the first construction phases

News Latest news on the topic

Renovation of Reinhardsbrunn Castle is progressing

Reinhardsbrunn Castle, which is in dire need of renovation, has belonged to the state since the expropriation of its previous owner in 2021. Since then, construction work has been underway to preserve the historical monument.

MDR: Concrete ideas for the use of Reinhardsbrunn Castle

The new plans for Reinhardsbrunn Castle near Friedrichroda are now officially on the table. The state has owned the castle for three years and has already carried out some renovations, especially of the castle chapel.

Reinhardsbrunn Perspective: Master plan for further development presented.

Presentation: Thuringian State Secretary for Culture Tina Beer, together with LEG Thüringen and the jury chairman, presents the master plan. This plan was developed based on the participatory process and forms a solid foundation for…

Downloads

Testimonials Voices on the usage assessment process

    Location description

    Impressions

    Photo gallery Reinhardsbrunn Castle

    contact person

    A project of the Free State of Thuringia with the participation of

    Project management by LEG Thüringen

    contact person

    Andreas Jaeger

    Andreas Jaeger Project management

      Cathrin Kamilli

      Cathrin Kamilli Project management

        Janek Hickethier

        Janek Hickethier Project communication

          contact person

          contact

          contact person

          Birgitt Wellsow

          Birgitt Wellsow Secretariat

          organization
          c/o LEG Thüringen
          Department of Urban and Regional Development

          Mainzerhofstr. 12
          99084 Erfurt

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