Who built the Johanniterburg Kühndorf?

The Order of Saint John built it in 1315 on the remains of an earlier stronghold belonging to the counts of Henneberg.

Can you visit the Johanniterburg Kühndorf?

Yes, the castle has been open for visits since its private owners began restoring it in 1991.

Why is the castle called Johanniterburg?

The name comes from the Order of Saint John, which built it even though the order had almost no other fortified sites in the German-speaking lands.

Where is the Johanniterburg Kühndorf located?

It lies in Kühndorf, in the Schmalkalden-Meiningen district of Thuringia, at the foot of the Dolmar hill.

Kuehndorf Castle

Kühndorf

Visit

Hours to be confirmed

Book a visit

You are leaving for the château’s own website

Where: Kühndorf

Hours and prices not verified at the source yet.Check on the official website

To make a day of it

Open within 20 km

Sleep nearby

Johanniterburg Kühndorf stands in Kühndorf (Landkreis Schmalkalden-Meiningen), in Thuringia, Germany. The building is a listed Baudenkmal. Recorded dating: 14th century. Its opening hours and prices have not been verified at the source yet.

The Johanniterburg Kühndorf stands on a hill north of the village, at the foot of the Dolmar in Thuringia. The Order of Saint John had it built in 1315 on the remains of an earlier stronghold, and it later became the last residence of the counts of Henneberg. Its layout, formed by two broad connected residential towers, is a rare surviving example of the order's architecture in Germany. Restored by private owners since 1991, it is now open to visitors.

What to know

It is the only privately owned property on the Thuringian Castle Road, still inhabited and maintained by its owners.
The castle sits on a hill north of Kühndorf, at the foot of the Dolmar, so visitors should expect an uphill walk from the village.
Remains of a 13th-century keep from an earlier fortress can still be seen within the present structure.
Access is via the district road K 581, close to the B19 and the Meiningen-Nord exit of the A71.
It is the only known castle of the Order of Saint John preserved in Germany, an order that usually had no military role in the area.

Practical information

Visit duration: Not verified
Wheelchair access: Not verified
Dogs: Not verified
Parking: Not verified

On site

Accommodation

Where this château is

Kühndorf · Landkreis Schmalkalden-Meiningen · Thüringen

Map of the area around Johanniterburg Kühndorf

Loading the map…

This châteauChâteaux within 40 km

Address

Schloßstraße 17, 98547 Kühndorf

Directions open from wherever you are, by car or public transport.

Get directions View on a map

Château phone number

+49 36844 306586

Call

The safest check before setting off: today’s hours, guided-tour availability, where to park.

4.6 / 5from 204 Google reviews

Heritage status: Kulturdenkmal in Thüringen
Period of construction: 14th century

In pictures

Frequently asked

Who built the Johanniterburg Kühndorf?: The Order of Saint John built it in 1315 on the remains of an earlier stronghold belonging to the counts of Henneberg.
Can you visit the Johanniterburg Kühndorf?: Yes, the castle has been open for visits since its private owners began restoring it in 1991.
Why is the castle called Johanniterburg?: The name comes from the Order of Saint John, which built it even though the order had almost no other fortified sites in the German-speaking lands.
What was the castle's historical role?: In the 16th century it briefly became the last residence of the counts of Henneberg, whose line died out in 1583.
Where is the Johanniterburg Kühndorf located?: It lies in Kühndorf, in the Schmalkalden-Meiningen district of Thuringia, at the foot of the Dolmar hill.