Everybody told me that I should visit "Schloß Sondershausen". When I was in front of the castle it was naturally already closed. and for the next day I already had planned to participate in a tour through the near by "Erlebnisbergwerk" a former potash mine.
Too bad that Elizabeth, my wife, had to return earlier to Canada. She does not like caves and being underground, but she loves castles. We could have done two independent tours, similar what we did in Newfoundland-Labrador.
The castle is being considered to be one of the prettiest ones in all of Thuringia. The main attractions are a golden coach and a collection of curiosities. But also the surrounding park would have caught Elizabeth's attention.

It was almost shocking not to see any tourists in this beautiful old town. Even the locals seem to be hiding. High unemployment is obviously the reason that people must stay at home instead of spending money.
The tables outside of the coffee shops and restaurants were deserted despite the fact that it was nice evening.
I checked some store windows. Especially used mopeds and motor bikes which were produced in Thuringia before the unification of Germany were of interest to me. Then I walked back to my accommodation and what a surprise - in the little beer garden I found some people. Naturally I enjoyed a beer before going to bed.