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October 31, 2025

Halloween in Thuringia's residences

Spooky fun for young and old alike

As October draws to a close, Thuringia's castles and palaces take on a mysterious air. Lights flicker between ancient walls, quiet footsteps echo through the vaults, and a ghost could be lurking just around the corner. This year, several members of the Thuringian Treasury are once again inviting visitors to enjoy special Halloween experiences. These range from a magic school for children to night-time torchlight tours for the brave. So pack your torch, put on your costume and set off on an adventure!


Elisabethenburg Castle: Ghost hunting by night

At Elisabethenburg Castle in Meiningen, explorers of all ages go on a tour with flashlights. Between dark corridors and mysterious shadows, many a ghostly figure can be seen.

Date: October 31, 2025
Location: Schlossplatz 1, 98617 Meiningen
Meeting point: Museum shop

Guided tours: from 5:30 p.m. every half hour
Dauer: rund eine Stunde
Available spots: at 7:30 p.m. & 8:00 p.m.
Admission: 5 € children / 10 € adults

Tickets are available exclusively in advance
by calling 01515 / 0547046 or at besucherservice@meiningermuseen.de


Magical afternoon at Veste Heldburg

On 31 October, Veste Heldburg will be transformed into a school for witches and wizards. Young magicians and witches will be able to immerse themselves in the world of Hogwarts. The Sorting Hat will assign them to their houses, they will learn spells, encounter fantastic beasts and receive their own wands. Afterwards, snacks will be waiting in the Great Hall and the hunt for the seven Horcruxes will begin.

Date: October 31, 2025
Location: Burgstraße 1, 98663 Heldburg

Start: 1:00 p.m. in the castle courtyard
End: 6:00 p.m. (departure on the Hogwarts Express)
Cost: 12 € per child

Registration at 036871 / 21210

Horror film & dance night at Heldburg Castle

Adults will also get their money's worth in Heldburg: from 8 p.m., the horror film ‘Halloween Ends’ will be shown in the church hall – a spooky experience in historic surroundings. Afterwards, the celebrations continue: from 10 p.m., the Halloween dance with the band LOGO-LIVE will take place in the HELENE restaurant. From rock and pop to schlager and jazz, everything is included – singing along is expressly permitted!

Date: October 31, 2025
Location: Burgstraße 1, 98663 Heldburg

Admission: free

Snacks and drinks are available


Sondershausen Castle – Spooky fairy tales and flashlight puzzles

There's also plenty going on at Sondershausen Castle Museum on Halloween. Children can embark on a treasure hunt with torches through dark exhibition rooms or bravely take part in a guided tour of the mysterious castle cellar.

Please note: Sturdy footwear is required for the tour. The temperature in the cellars is around 10 degrees Celsius all year round. The route includes some steep stairs and uneven steps, which may also be damp and dirty.

Date: October 31, 2025
Location: Schloss 1, 99706 Sondershausen

Taschenlampenquiz: 16:00–18:00 Uhr, letzter Einlass 17:30 Uhr
Gruselmärchen im Keller: 16:30 Uhr (geeignet für Kinder ab 4 Jahren) & 18:00 Uhr (geeignet für Kinder ab 8 Jahren)

Cost: 3€

Places for the spooky fairy tale are limited. Advance registration is required at 03632 / 6224 25 or schlossmuseum-besucherservice@sondershausen.de. Please limit yourself to one accompanying adult per child so that as many children as possible can take part in the event.