107 Tenneberg Castle in Waltershausen
107 Tenneberg Castle in Waltershausen
Tenneberg Castle was first documented in 1176 as a fortress of the Thuringian landgraves.
Shortly after, the town of Waltershausen was mentioned, already holding market and brewing rights.
In 1391, the castle received its distinctive horseshoe-shaped layout, which remains visible today.
Various modifications took place in the 16th century.
Before moving to Gotha, Duke Ernst I of Saxe-Gotha, known as „the Pious,“ used the castle as his seat of government in 1640.
The transformation of Tenneberg Castle into a hunting lodge for the Coburg-Gotha dynasty was completed in the 18th century.
Three Baroque rooms have been preserved in the castle, the most impressive being the grand ballroom from 1719.
Court painter Johann Heinrich Ritter created the magnificent ceiling painting, giving the hall its alternate name, the „Ritter Hall.“
Today, the grand ballroom houses the local history museum, focusing on Waltershausen’s famous dolls and toys.
Notable achievements include the world’s first gramophone doll (1890), Otto Gans‘ invention of „Flirting Eyes“ (1906), and the first character doll, „The Baby“ by K & R, introduced in 1909.
Further Information:
Museum Schloss Tenneberg
99880 Waltershausen
Tel.: 03622 / 6 91 70