Thuringia

Germany
Duchess Anna Amalia Library featuring heritage elements and interior views
Thuringia’s beautiful forests, tall mountains and quaint medieval cities offer infinite entertainment if you are looking for a typically German experience.

Thuringia is one of central Germany’s best-kept secrets. It offers a beautiful and relatively uncrowded destination for people seeking adventures in nature, history and architecture. Enjoy a visit to the medieval towns and witness the influence of prominent Germans, from Goethe to Marx.

Erfurt, the capital and largest city of Thuringia, has medieval architecture and an absorbing history. Visit Erfurt Cathedral and its bell, one of the largest from the Middle Ages. Stroll around the hilltop Zitadelle Petersberg, a well-preserved European Baroque fortress. Purchase local crafts along the Krämerbrücke, a long bridge covered with shops and apartments. Scale the staircase inside the nearby Ägidienkirche for a panoramic view of the town’s half-timbered houses. View the Gildehaus’ famous depictions of the virtues at the Fishmarkt square.

Get inspired in Weimar, the former capital of Thuringia. Stroll along the Ilm river on the beautiful grounds of the Stadtschloss Weimar, once a grand palace. Bauhaus University is where Walter Gropius started the influential design movement.

A short trip away is Jena, home to Friedrich Schiller University. Amble around the Botanical Garden and marvel at the Victoria amazonica, one of the world’s largest water lilies. Ride the elevator up JenTower, a socialist-era skyscraper offering exquisite views of the valley. Explore space at the Zeiss Planetarium, which features musical and educational star shows.

Drive through the state to access nature. Hike parts of the Rennsteig, Germany’s famous hiking trail that winds through the Thuringian Forest. Bring your skis to the winter resort of Oberhof.

Thuringia’s largest international airport is in Erfurt. Drive to parts of Thuringia in several hours from larger hubs of Berlin, Frankfurt or Prague. Intercity locations are easily accessible via bus or tram, though a car is useful for exploring nature. Practice your German before arriving, as Thuringia sees relatively fewer foreign tourists than other parts of Germany. 

“The Green Heart of Germany” is also one of Germany’s oldest regions, making Thuringia a treasure for all kinds of adventurers.

Popular cities in Thuringia

Stadtkirche St Peter und Paul which includes a church or cathedral and night scenes
Weimar
Known for Historical, Museums and Theaters
Museums, palaces, parks, gardens, churches and memorials illustrate the rich cultural heritage that this city is famous for.

Reasons to visit

  • Bauhaus Museum
  • Duchess Anna Amalia Library
  • Goethe National Museum
Erfurt showing street scenes, heritage elements and a square or plaza
Erfurt
Known for Shopping, Business and Theaters
The capital city of Thuringia, once an important trade center in the Middle Ages, now retains many of the picturesque old buildings of former times.

Reasons to visit

  • Kramerbrucke
  • Erfurt Cathedral
  • Zitadelle Petersberg
Eisenach showing heritage elements and flowers
Eisenach
Known for Historical, Castle and Museums
At the foothills of the Thuringian Forest and the Hainich National Park, this picturesque town is the birthplace of Bach and childhood home of Martin Luther.

Reasons to visit

  • Wartburg Castle
  • Drachenschlucht
  • Bach House
Jen-Tower showing a city, tranquil scenes and landscape views
Jena
Known for Universities, Hills and Museums
Known as the City of Light, Jena is a popular university town, boasting the world’s oldest planetarium and breathtaking views from the town's trademark tower.

Reasons to visit

  • JenTower
  • Zeiss Planetarium
  • Botanischer Garten Jena
Oberhof
Oberhof
Known for Friendly people, Skiing and Nature
Trip time! Discover the skiing, natural setting, and museums in Oberhof.
Suhl
Suhl
Known for Dining, Friendly people and Museums
Love museums, entertainment, and dining out? Get away to Suhl!