Großlohra: Castle, Basilica and trails on the Hainleite

Lohra Castle stands above Großlohra. The Basilica of St. Gangolf and Münchenlohra Monastery are in Münchenlohra. The Hainleite 1 circular trail links Lohra Castle, the pillar basilica in Münchenlohra and Wöbelsburg Castle.

Lohra Castle and the history of Münchenlohra

Lohra Castle is now the ruin of a hilltop castle, standing above Großlohra. It is the westernmost castle on the Hainleite. Its ruined state, castle type and regional location therefore provide three distinct points of reference for understanding the structure. In Münchenlohra, another focal point is the Basilica of St. Gangolf: it was rebuilt between 1882 and 1885 at the suggestion of Ferdinand von Quast, the Prussian conservator of monuments. A comprehensive restoration followed from 1951 to 1957. The two periods distinguish the rebuilding in the late 19th century from the later restoration phase.

Münchenlohra Monastery also shapes the village: it has stood on a hill in front of the Hainleite for more than 800 years. Its long-standing presence shapes the landscape between the Harz and the Hainleite, and between the Windleite and the Eichsfeld Gate. Münchenlohra is also considered a destination or starting point for a pilgrimage. This adds another perspective on the importance of the place as a pilgrimage destination to its architectural history.

Circular trail and directions to the castle

The Hainleite 1 circular trail links Lohra Castle, the pillar basilica in Münchenlohra and Wöbelsburg Castle. These stops make the trail one way to connect the history of the castle with other buildings. As routes and signposting may change, it is worth checking the latest information before setting out.

Lohra Castle is accessible via the A 38 motorway. From the Bleicherode exit, follow the road towards Großlohra, through the village to the southwest, and then, at the level of the Hainleite, take the path to the castle. Check the route before your trip. Nearby, in Elende, there is a chapel built around 1300, about 3 km from Münchenlohra. It is one of the oldest buildings in the region; the approximate distance is measured from Münchenlohra.

Regional context: Nordhausen

The wider travel destination of Nordhausen offers another hiking context: the Karst Hiking Trail crosses the district of Nordhausen for 56 kilometres from east to west. The Harz Narrow Gauge Railway connects Wernigerode in the north of the Harz with Nordhausen in the southern Harz foothills. These details describe regional routes and connections, supplementing the local themes around Lohra Castle and Münchenlohra with a broader view of the region.

The Rabensteiner Stollen in Ilfeld is the only visitor mine for hard coal in Central Germany. A guided tour presents the almost 300-year history of hard-coal mining in the Harz and passes the last remains of hard coal, fossils, authentic workplaces, mined-out seams and mining galleries that are often only 60 cm high. The “Rabenstein-Express” mine train first travels 500 m into the mountain; the route then leads into mining areas from the 18th century. Check the latest tour arrangements before your visit.

This makes it possible to tailor your search to the sights you plan to visit.

For the wider travel overview: Hainleite.