Discover Hainrode/Hainleite

The history of Hainrode/Hainleite can be traced through two very different buildings: the crypt in St. Mary Magdalene Church and Hainrode Castle, which began as a manor house. Other attractions include the wildlife enclosure and the “Aktivstall” horse farm. The wider destination of Bleicherode offers additional cultural and architectural themes.

Church and castle history

A crypt measuring 3.50 × 3.50 metres is located in St. Mary Magdalene Church. It contains three bodies, which are thought to belong to members of the Bila family. The equal side lengths give the crypt a square floor plan; the attribution to the Bila family remains a supposition.

Hainrode Castle is also known locally as Wöbelsburg. It was first built in the 12th century as a manor house with smaller farm buildings. The church and castle represent different historical themes: the church is associated with the crypt and its presumed family attribution, while the castle is associated with its early form and the beginnings of its history.

Attractions and orientation

Hainrode’s attractions include the wildlife enclosure and the “Aktivstall” horse farm. Together with the church and castle, these two places offer further points of interest when exploring the village’s attractions.

Since all of its uses were discontinued in 2020, Teichtal is no longer a local recreation area. Since 2022, Hainrode has had two stamp boxes: one in Teichtal and one at Wöbelsburg. If you plan to visit a box, check its current condition in advance.

Culture in the wider destination of Bleicherode

In the wider destination of Bleicherode, the Church of Beatae Mariae Virginis and the Old Chancellery are additional cultural and historical points of interest. These themes belong to Bleicherode and should be distinguished from Hainrode’s attractions.

In a wall niche above the entrance to the sacristy of the Church of Beatae Mariae Virginis is the statue “Jacob Wrestling with the Angel,” created around 1710. It depicts a scene from Genesis 32:25–27. Both the subject and the artwork’s precise location within the church are identified.

The organ in the western part of the church was built by master organ builder Robert Knauf. An extensive restoration in 2013 allowed the instrument to sound once again in its original 1898 condition. The two years mark different milestones: 1898 refers to the restored original condition, while 2013 refers to the restoration.

The Old Chancellery consists of a large half-timbered barn with living quarters and a carriage house. The buildings border the courtyard on its west and north sides. The Old Chancellery houses the municipal library, a music school and an exhibition on the history of Bleicherode’s Jewish community. If you plan to visit a particular institution, check its accessibility beforehand.

Discover more destinations: Hainleite, Heringen/Helme, Harztor, Auleben, Ilfeld, Harzungen, Hamma, Sülzhayn

Back to the wider travel overview: Nordhausen.