About the Kyffhäuser
The Kyffhäuser hill in northern Thuringia is one of the most storied places in Germany. Medieval castle ruins, the mighty Barbarossa monument and the legend of the sleeping emperor Friedrich Barbarossa combine to create a destination that is both historically fascinating and visually striking.
The Kyffhäuser monument, erected between 1890 and 1896, towers 81 metres above the hill and offers a commanding view across the Thuringian plain and the South Harz. The adjacent ruins of the Kyffhausen castle – once one of the largest imperial fortresses in the Holy Roman Empire – invite exploration.
From The Woodland Lodge, the Kyffhäuser is an ideal half-day excursion, easily combined with a visit to the Josephskreuz or the Barbarossastadt Goslar.
Getting there
Drive towards Bad Frankenhausen or Kelbra and follow the signs to the Kyffhäuser monument (approx. 45 min from the Lodge). A spacious car park is located directly at the entrance to the monument and ruins.
~ 45 min driveWell-marked hiking trails from Kelbra and Bad Frankenhausen wind through the forest up to the monument and castle ruins. The paths are clearly waymarked and suitable for a relaxed family hike.
From 30 min ascentAllow at least 2–3 hours to explore both the Kyffhäuser monument and the extensive Kyffhausen castle ruins with the Unterburg and Oberburg. The Barbarossahöhle cistern is a highlight not to be missed.
2–3 h recommendedInsider tips
Spring and autumn offer the clearest views from the monument across the Thuringian plain. Weekday mornings are quietest – summer weekends can be busy, especially around public holidays.
The Kyffhausen fortress was once one of the largest imperial palaces in the Holy Roman Empire. Explore the Unterburg and Oberburg and descend into the 79-metre-deep cistern – a remarkable piece of medieval engineering.
Legend has it that Emperor Friedrich Barbarossa sleeps inside the Kyffhäuser hill, his red beard growing through a stone table, waiting to return when Germany needs him most. The monument above was built to honour this myth.
The monument has a restaurant and café at its base. Children enjoy exploring the castle ruins, and the monument tower can also be climbed for panoramic views. Plan a half day for a relaxed family visit.
Perfectly combined
From the Kyffhäuser, the Josephskreuz viewpoint is only 30 minutes away – combine both highlights for a memorable full-day excursion through history, legend and sweeping panoramas.
DiscoverThe Woodland Lodge
Stay at The Woodland Lodge and explore the legends of the South Harz region.
The Kyffhäuser is just 45 minutes away.