Photos courtesy of Hotel auf der Wartburg
For over 1000 years, a castle has existed on the precipice above the town of Eisenach. When Ludwig der Springer, count of Schauenburg, first laid eyes on the site, he was thought to have exclaimed, “Wait, mountain—you shall become a castle for me!” The Thuringian landgraves retained Wartburg as their seat of power until 1440.
Its greatest moment in history, though, is when Martin Luther sought refuge here after his excommunication by Pope Leo X. Under the name of Junker Jörg, he translated the Bible into German. You can visit this humble room where the course of history was turned.
In 1777, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe spent five weeks here, and thanks to his drawings, we have a glimpse of how Wartburg used to look.
The castle deteriorated over the next hundred years, but thanks to the patronage of grand duke Carl Alexander von Sachsen-Weimar-Eisenach, Wartburg was restored to its former glory at the end of the 19th century. The first hostel was carefully designed by famed architect and castle expert Bodo Ebhardt
Pamela’s Perspective
Prices here are high—especially for something in the former GDR; however, you are paying for the historic location. It’s a lovely, atmospheric castle hotel, perhaps not exactly five-star because of the rooms and lack of an elevator, but worthy of a stay nonetheless.
Hotel auf der Wartburg
An 11th-century castle
Contact
99817 Eisenach
Tel: ++49 (0) 3691 7970
Hotel website
Reserve with Booking.com
Fast facts
53 rooms
Double rooms: from 161euros
Suites: from 218 euros
Rates include breakfast
Open: all year
Getting there
Eisenach is easily reached by train. The #10 bus will drop you at the foot of the castle, but if you have luggage, a taxi will be better.
What to do
Nearby: hiking; cycling; golf; cross-country skiing; horseback riding; tennis; Eisenach
Weddings
Yes. The registry office has a branch here.
For centuries Wartburg has been a place of pilgrimage for those paying homage to Martin Luther.
If you would like to stay on the castle grounds, the Hotel auf der Wartburg lies right next to the historic wall. It’s a 400-meter climb from the car park down below, but the hotel operates a free shuttle.
This five-star hotel is loaded with ambience; service is friendly and efficient.
Guest rooms vary in size, with some being on the small side. Furnishings are simple but comfortable. Views from the windows look over the forest, Wartburg Castle, or Eisenach. The room mini-bar is complimentary. Be aware the hotel has no elevator.
The hotel offers elegant gourmet dining in the Landgrafenstube restaurant.
Something special
Wartburg is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Concerts are held in the complex.