Knau: Nature Trail, Manor Park and Manor House
Accommodation in Knau
In Knau, parkland, birdlife and the history of the manor house come together. Two circular routes offer different experiences: the nature trail leads through the manor park, while the Historic Circular Walk is longer and passes several named places. There is also a guided tour of Masonic symbolism and the Generations Park.
Circular Routes, Birdlife and Park Design
The Knau Nature Trail is a 1.3-kilometre loop through the manor park. The route is defined by old trees, a rich variety of birdlife and design features associated with the Freemasons. In the park, you can observe rare birds of hedgerows and meadows, as well as cavity-nesting birds. The walk therefore offers a close-up look at both the birdlife and the distinctive design of the grounds.
The 2025 hiking and cycling map describes the 5.2-kilometre Historic Circular Walk. It starts at Knau Manor House and passes the Kleines Mordtal valley, the Oberlandbahn railway and Knau Mill. The distances make the difference between the two routes clear: one focuses on a loop through the park; the other is a longer walk passing several named places.
A 90-minute guided tour of Freemasonry explores the interpretation of symbolism in Knau’s heritage-protected landscape garden. It starts in the courtyard of the manor house. Check booking arrangements with the Tourist Information office. When planning, you can choose between a walk through the park, a longer hike and a tour with a cultural-historical focus.
The Manor House, Park History and Generations Park
The former monastic estate in Knau became a manor house in 1601 under the von Brandenstein family. The extensive parkland of the former manor dates from the 19th century. It features elements associated with Masonic symbolism. This cautious interpretation is part of the park’s history: its design can be linked to the subject of the guided tour without presenting the connections described as a definitive interpretation.
The Generations Park, which opened in 2020, offers a different way to spend time together. It is a meeting place for visitors and the local community, with space for shared celebrations, cultural events and leisure activities for all ages. If you are planning a specific activity there, check the current conditions in advance.
When looking for a holiday apartment in Knau, these different experiences can help you choose a destination for your holiday: would you like to focus on nature watching, park history, a hike or a cultural activity?
Culture in the wider destination of Neustadt an der Orla
The wider destination of Neustadt an der Orla has its own urban history. The late Gothic town hall grew out of the “stone house” that Landgrave Balthasar gave to the town in 1364 and which was initially used as a storehouse. After extensions and alterations, the building was completed in 1509/10; it remains the seat of the administration to this day. The Luther House on the market square was built before 1450 and underwent several phases of construction. It is largely accessible to visitors with limited mobility; a lift provides access to various levels. Check the current conditions before your trip.
The Museum of Local History in Neustadt an der Orla presents the town’s history in 13 themed exhibition rooms. The market fountain was built in 1987 to mark the town’s 700th anniversary. The octagonal basin features guild symbols representing craftspeople who had been based there since the Middle Ages. The “Bornquas” fountain festival is another recurring tradition: it is regularly celebrated on the third weekend in June and includes the custom of appointing a fountain master.
Discover More Destinations
Discover more destinations: Krölpa, Plothen, Burgk, Dreba, Stanau, Remptendorf, Ziegenrück and Pößneck.
Back to the overview of the wider destination: Saale-Orla.
