We like to www.thuringian-cities.com cultural welcome you townscultural of in our cities! townsthuringia of

thuringia Pocket guide ‹

www.thuringian-cities.com

Upper and Lower Palace Greiz 2 | | 3 a true gem. It is the longest bridge in Europe with inhabited buildings along its entire length and has many shops specialising in handicrafts and antiques. Welcome! Thuringia’s towns and cities offer a fantastic mix of culture and leisure activities in unspoilt scenery. The Thuringia is home to an unparalleled of inestimable value. Bach, Brahms, town of Suhl, for example, is set wealth of cultural treasures. The Liszt and Wagner are among those amid dense forests just a stone’s region was once made up of many who wrote some of their works in Imprint throw from the Rennsteig hiking different principalities, whose rulers the region and who remain ubiqui- Merchants’ Bridge Erfurt trail. The same is true of Ilmenau established royal seats with splendid tous figures to this day. Hearing Published by: and Arnstadt with their abundance their music at the locations where it VereinThuringia’s Städtetourismus towns in and cities boast of walking and cycling routes. palaces, mighty castles and magnif- Thüringen e. V. icent parks that remain as alluring was originally composed makes for c/o aweimar diverse GmbH and internationally Tucked away in the romantic valley today as they ever were. an unforgettable experience. Gesellschaftrenowned für Wirtschafts- art scene. Famous paint- of the White Elster river is Greiz, a förderung,ers, artists Kongress- and und sculptors have left former royal seat with two palaces Thuringia has one of the most Tourismusservicean inimitable legacy of work. Be it and a summer residence. Rudol­ UNESCO-Platz 1 UNESCO World Heritage sites of 99423the Weimar influential Renaissance painter stadt, in the picturesque Saale valley, Germany. Wartburg Castle, the most Tel. Lucas+49 (0) Cranach,3643 / 745314 the acclaimed is overlooked by majestic Heidecks- famous landmark in Eisenach, has Fax Bauhaus+49 (0) 3643 master / 745333 Lyonel Feininger burg Palace. Only a few miles away been shaped by many historic events e-mail:or the incomparable painter and is Saalfeld, where a former mine and figures over the centuries. Clas- [email protected] Otto Dix, who was born has been transformed into enchant- www.thueringer-staedte.de sical Weimar boasts sites associated in Gera. The Lindenau Museum in ing fairy grottoes. Mining heritage with the life and legacy of Goethe, Design/Layout:Altenburg is home to one of the takes centre stage again at Sonders­ Wieland, Herder and Schiller, while Gudmanworld Design, finest Weimar collections of 180 early hausen visitor mine, the world’s the Bauhaus sites bear witness to the PrintedItalian by: Renaissance paintings by oldest accessible potash mine. Druckhaus Gera dawn of Modernism. The world-fa- masters like Botticelli, Fra Angelico ‹ Photo credits: mous Bauhaus school of design was Babovic,or Masaccio. Nestler, Neumann, The Kunsthaus art founded in 1919 by Walter Gropius, Pietschmann,gallery in Röttig, Apolda Schuck, mounts exhi- and from its home in Weimar went Szyszka,bitions Digital of Vision,international acclaim. on to shape new developments in YuriPaintings Arcurs/Fotolia.com, by Picasso and Matisse, T. Sieland, TPT, A. Heinrich, Musical Heritage art, culture and architecture. J. Hauspurg,sculptures Zeiss-Planeta by Camille- Claudel and rium,works Archives by of Karl the mem-Lagerfeld and Helmut The poets Goethe and Schiller bersNewton of the association are just some of the rarities laid the foundation for a new era that have been on display here. 1st edition 2015 here, an era that saw many cities Mühlhausen is home to countless Heidecksburg Palace Rudolstadt in Thuringia become centres of cul- We churches,accept no responsibility many of which are used ture. Today, you can visit authentic for thetoday accuracy as cultural or com- venues, and the It is hard to imagine Thuringia sites associated with these seminal pletenessKunsthaus of the published Meyenburg in Nord­ without its culinary specialities that figures of German Classicism and information.hausen has established itself as are today enjoyed far beyond the see their original manuscripts. But northern Thuringia’s premier art region itself. Authentic Thuringian Thuringia is not just famous for centre with exhibitions devoted to dumplings and 'bratwurst' sausages Cities of the thuringian its literary greats. Musicians and Barlach, Hundertwasser and Dalí. Airportare as popular with locals as Railwaythey are Thuringian border cities association composers have also left a legacy 'Haus am Horn' Weimar The Merchants’ Bridge in Erfurt is with visitors. Federal highway Motorway Cycle path A-Road 4 | | 5 Other firm favourites include Alten- burg goat’s cheese, Erfurt’s Born mustard, Nordhausen 'doppelkorn' Travel schnapps, Saale-Unstrut wines, Köstritzer dark beer and Viba nougat from Schmalkalden. In Thuringia’s towns and cities, you can while away ideas the hours in idyllic beer gardens or dine in style at gourmet restaurants. Whether in Weimar, Jena, Erfurt, Palaces and castles 8 Mühlhausen or Eisenach, you can enjoy culinary creations made by award-winning chefs. Friedenstein Palace Gotha 10 Parks and gardens really can see and do a lot in just a short space of time. Stroll around Friedenstein Palace in Gotha in the morning, enjoy panoramic views Bauhaus and Modernism 12 from Wartburg Castle in Eisenach in the afternoon, and spend the evening at Meiningen Theatre. 14 Famous musicians Everything is within easy reach in Thuringia. The region also lies at the heart of Germany and is easy to get to from any direction by road, The Jewish heritage 16 rail or air.

This pocket guide published by Classicism – the Towns of Thuringia Tourism 18 Schiller and Goethe‹ Traditional 'Bratwurst' sausages Association presents 19 of the most beautiful towns and cities in Thurin- Because the region is relatively small gia. Discover a wealth of cultural and Luther and and offers such a wide variety of historical attractions at the heart of the Reformation 20 art, culture, nature and cuisine, you Germany. Hiking and biking 22 with culture

Created by men and nature 24

26 Theatre and festivals 6 | | 7

Our 44 Ilmenau cities 46 Jena

48 Meiningen

28 Altenburg 50 Mühlhausen

30 Apolda 52 Nordhausen

32 Arnstadt 54 Rudolstadt

34 Eisenach ‹ 56 Saalfeld 36 Erfurt 58 Schmalkalden

38 Gera

60 Sondershausen

40 Gotha

62 Suhl

42 Greiz

64 Weimar 8 | | 9

11 | Altenburg 66 | Schmalkalden Palaces Altenburg Castle and Playing Card Wilhelmsburg Palace – four- Museum – extensive castle gardens winged Renaissance residence with orangery and tea house Palace Church with Renaissance Lindenau Museum – with its exqui- wooden organ and site collection of early Italian panel paintings 77 | Sondershausen Neo-classical Palace with an Eng- 22 | Eisenach lish-style landscaped park castles Wartburg Castle – UNESCO World Palace Museum with art collections Heritage site, Reformation land- mark and Eisenach’s most famous 88 | Rudolstadt Because it is home to more for­ into courtly life. Heidecksburg Palace attraction Heidecksburg Palace – three- mer royal seats than almost any­ in Rudolstadt is beautifully preserved winged baroque residence with where else in Europe, Thuringia and highly sought after as a back- 33 | Gotha magnificent corps de logis, now boasts a wealth of splendid drop for TV and film productions, Friedenstein Palace, Ducal Muse- museum featuring the 'Rococo en palaces, medieval castles and while Gotha is home to one of the um, Palace Park with landscaped miniature' exhibition stately homes. A hotspot for art, region’s finest baroque ensembles, gardens, casemates culture and architecture. the 'Baroque Universe' with its four The baroque orangery 99 | Weimar museums, theatre and palace park. Belvedere Palace – Elegant summer Thuringia owes its extraordinary The Almanach de Gotha, the most 44 | Greiz residence, today a popular visitor wealth of former royal seats to the famous directory of the European Upper and Lower Castle attraction and UNESCO World principalities of the early modern nobility, was also published here Summerpalais with landscaped Heritage era. The region’s lands were ruled for over 180 years and remains an park – state collection of books City Palace – with stunning by many different dynasties for more important means of proving aristo- and engravings with the Satiricum state rooms and a remakable than four centuries. The cultural cratic ancestry. (cartoons and caricatures) ­collection of European art treas­ures that originate from that Tiefurt House – Summer residence time remain for everyone to admire ‹ 55 | Meiningen of Duchess Anna Amalia today. As well as the great residences,­ Elisabethenburg Palace – exhibition Ettersburg Palace – comprising the there are many grand buildings of historical stage sets belonging Old Palace, church and New Palace located away from the main streets. to the Meiningen royal theatre at the front In Arnstadt, the ruins of Neideck More information: troupe (19th century) at the Theatre Castle and the New Palace with its www.thuringian-cities.com Museum museum provide fascinating insights www.schatzkammer-thueringen.de

Summerpalais Golden Coach BildunterschriftBelvedere Palace Greiz Sondershausen Weimar 7

Erfurt 2 3 9 1 6 8 4 5 10 | | 11

11 | Apolda 65 | Jena Parks 2017 Thuringia Horticultural Second-oldest botanical garden in Show – Schötener Promenade and Germany (1586) with 10,000 spe- Herressener Promenade cies of plants on 4.5 hectares. The ancient ginkgo tree is a reminder of and 22 | Erfurt Goethe’s time in Jena. 2021 Federal Horticultural Show, Egapark – founded over 50 years 77 | Schmalkalden ago, this heritage-listed park and The 2015 Thuringia Horticultural gardens exhibition site is home to Citadelle Show themed on 'GartenZeitReise' Cyriaksburg, Germany’s only horti- (gardens through the ages): new cultural museum parks (Westendpark, Viba-Park and Thuringia’s towns and cities are many. Relatively modern equivalents Stadtpark) and a newly designed home to an abundance of royal have been created for various garden 33 | Gera terrace garden at Wilhelmsburg estates, botanical gardens and shows. The site for the Federal Hofwiesenpark – exhibition venue Palace. stunning parks. They are both Horticultural Show in Gera remains an for the 2007 Federal Horticultural cultural treasures and places of attractive urban park with large green Show 88 | Weimar great natural beauty. spaces, while 'Die neue Mitte' in Baroque kitchen garden with Park on the river Ilm – with Nordhausen combines a garden with orangery, which today houses the Goethe’s summer house Thuringia was once home to a the historical town wall. Every year, Gera art collection Tiefurt House – English-style number of ducal seats, which is why thousands of people also visit private Germany’s oldest dahlia garden landscaped park with country there are so many landscaped parks gardens in Thuringia during the Open house and tea pavilion and gardens in the region today. In Gardens event in May and June. 44 | Gotha Belvedere Palace Park – baroque the early modern era, the region was Palace Park with English Garden – summer residence with orangery, divided into lots of tiny principalities, the oldest English-style landscaped pleasure garden and maze with each ruler investing heavily in park in mainland Europe Ettersburg Palace Park – a gem of making his palace gardens beautiful. landscape design in the north of Weimar is surrounded by no fewer ‹ 55 | Greiz Weimar than three parks. In Meiningen, the Royal Park – in the English style All of these Weimar park grounds landscaped park stands out for its surrounding the Summer Palace, belong to UNESCO World Heritage symmetrical design, while egapark in More information: with landscape design features 'classical Weimar'. Erfurt reflects the city’s horticultural www.thuringian-cities.com including a lake and a collection of traditions. The botanical gardens in www.thueringerschloesser.de rare conifers Jena are the second oldest in Ger- www.schatzkammer-thueringen.de

'Hofwiesenpark' Botanical Garden Landscaped Park BildunterschriftRoyal Park Gera Jena Meiningen Greiz

Erfurt 1 4 2 8 6 3 7 5 12 | | 13

11 | Apolda ­Constantin Emile Meunir, marble Bauhaus Eiermann building – Architect Egon herm: Max Klinger Eiermann’s industrial building from Auerbach House (1924) – the 1938/39 reflects the shift towards first Bauhaus design for a private the modernist style. residence, and Zuckerkandl House, and both by Walter Gropius 22 | Erfurt Refectory on Philosophenweg Margaretha Reichardt House – and Abbeanum/Jena University – This Bauhaus student ran a Bauhaus student Ernst Neufert Modernism hand-weaving workshop that dis- Schott Glass Museum – Jena glass seminated the school’s intellectual teapot by Wilhelm Wagenfeld and cultural ideas. Founded in Weimar in 1919, the Apolda and Gera. Even in Suhl in Henry van de Velde’s design for a 55 | Weimar Bauhaus had a profound influ­ southern Thuringia, there is a striking museum in Erfurt Bauhaus Museum – documents the ence on the fields of art, archi­ legacy from this era – the present-day history of the Bauhaus at the place tecture and design. The school Modehaus (fashion house), designed 33 | Gera where it was founded, Weimar. and the artists and designers in 1928 by Bauhaus student Karl Otto Otto Dix House – The house where (Featuring over 300 exhibits) who worked there have left their in the New Objectivity style. Gropius Otto Dix, one of the most influential Art School and School of Arts mark throughout Thuringia. had Auerbach House built in Jena, the artists of the 20th century, was born. and Crafts – Henry van de Velde’s first private residence in the style. The Henry van de Velde Museum at influential art school building from The Bauhaus celebrates its centenary Bauhaus’s Modernist principles reach Haus Schulenburg – Art nouveau the turn of the 20th century was in 2019. Its founder, Walter Gropius, into all fields of art and craft. Wilhelm villa designed by the Belgian where the Bauhaus originated. was able to attract international Wagenfeld’s tea service, for example, architect with authentic furnishings Haus Am Horn – Georg Muche’s avant garde artists, such as Lyonel which is made from heatproof glass, and garden showcase home was the only Feininger, Johannes Itten, Wassily is still produced today and has long 53 buildings/projects by Thilo Bauhaus building to be realised in Kandinsky, Paul Klee and László been considered a design classic. Schoder and other exponents of Weimar. Moholy-Nagy, to Weimar. Today, you the Neues Bauen architectural style Hohe Pappeln – Belgian architect can still see buildings belonging to ‹ Henry van de Velde built this house the most famous workshop of the 44 | Jena for his family. classical Modernist era, which were Ernst Abbe monument – Nietzsche Archive – The interior of built to designs by Belgian architect Memorial pavilion to honour Ernst the ground floor was designed by and designer Henry van de Velde. More information: Abbe, the physicist, industrialist Henry van de Velde. Bauhaus architecture can also be www.bauhaus-2019.de and social reformer. Building: found in many locations in Erfurt, www.100-jahre-bauhaus.de Henry van de Velde, bronze reliefs:

Signet of Ernst Abbe Memorial Bildunterschrift'Haus Schulenburg' Henry van de Velde Jena Gera

Erfurt 1 2 5 4 3 14 | | 15

11 | Arnstadt 44 | Mühlhausen Famous Bach Church – The young J.S. Bach Divi Blasii Church – Johann was organist at the church from Sebastian Bach was organist at the 1703 to 1707. church from 1707 to July 1708. Bach statue – depicting the young First printed cantata was produced musicians Bach in Mühlhausen, original documents Bach exhibition at the Palace at the town archive Museum – several generations of the Bach family lived in Arnstadt. 55 | sondershausen Bach, Wagner, Liszt and Co. Bach Festival – acclaimed music Many buildings in the town centre event bear witness to Sondershausen’s rich musical heritage. Thuringia’s great musical heri­ Trost Organ in the Altenburg castle 22 | Eisenach Venues for the prestigious Loh tage is a ubiquitous presence. church. There is also an excellent Bach House – the world’s largest Orchestra – Octagonal House Throughout the region, famous range of guided walks and bookable museum dedicated to the life and (Achteckhaus), Blue Hall at Sonders­ composers have left an extra­ itineraries, be it a Liszt concert at work of the composer hausen Palace, House of Art ordinary legacy that is cherished Erfurt’s Imperial Hall or Bach com- Tannhäuser and the Singers’ Liszt concerts on the Liszt grand to this day. positions at the Divi Blasii Church in Contest at Wartburg Castle – piano at Sondershausen Palace Mühlhausen. The region’s orches- romantic opera by Richard Wagner Thuringia is known as a cradle of tras are also a feature. The Jena performed in its original setting 66 | Weimar classical music because of its many Philharmonic Orchestra give guest Liszt House – Franz Liszt summered associations with names such as performances all over Europe, while 33 | Meiningen in the former court gardener’s house Bach, Wagner, Paganini, Liszt, Reger the Staatskapelle Weimar is one of Brahms monument – Johannes at the entrance to the Park on the and Mendelssohn. Their legacies the most prestigious orchestras in Brahms conducted the Meiningen Ilm between 1869 and 1886. are kept alive in the region through the world. Court Orchestra. He conducted the Bach Biennale in Weimar – Nikolaus a wide programme of events. very first performance of his Fourth Harnoncourt’s prestigious Bach The Thuringian Bach Festival, for Symphony in Meiningen. festival uses only instruments made example, has long been a highlight ‹ Elisabethenburg Palace – centre of during the composer’s lifetime. in the international classical music artistic endeavour between Weimar calendar. In Eisenach, Arnstadt, More information: and Bayreuth, exhibition on the Erfurt and Weimar, concerts take www.thuringian-cities.com history of music with visual, audio place in ­venues linked to the life and www.bach-lebensreise.de and interactive elements legacies of the great composers or www.thueringer-bachwochen.de on precious organs like the baroque www.bachfestival.arnstadt.de

Bach Festival Historical Instruments Bach House Arnstadt Elisabethenburg Palace Meiningen Eisenach 5 4

Erfurt 2 6

1

3 16 | | 17

11 | Erfurt 44 | sondershausen The Old Synagogue – Oldest preserved Pre-1300 Mikveh (Jewish bath) – synagogue in central Europe (11th preserved as a monument with century), with the Erfurt Treasure and remnants of the town wall a 14th century Jewish wedding ring Jewish cemetery – established in Jewish Mikveh – Jewish ritual bath from 1699, graves from the 18th and the 13th century 19th centuries and noteworthy Small Synagogue – Cultural forum graves from a later time with exhibition on Jewish life in heritage Erfurt in the 19th and 20th centuries 55 | Weimar New Synagogue (1952) – Today a Yiddish Summer – festival of centre for the community Yiddish/Jewish music There are many sites associated Jewish factory owners and mer- Jewish cemetery – from the Jewish cemetery – founded in 1774 with Jewish life in Thuringia’s chants. Notable examples include the 18th century Buchenwald concentration camp – towns and cities. Synagogues, 'Simson' factory in Suhl and the Tietz Application to UNESCO for these memorial with four permanent mikvehs and burial sites provide department store in Gera, where the examples of medieval Jewish life to exhibitions and outdoor grounds an insight into a fascinating past. former department store chain 'Hertie' be granted World Heritage status was founded. Festivals such as the There have been Jewish communi- Yiddish Summer in Weimar and events 22 | Mühlhausen ties in many Thuringian towns and at Jewish cultural centres reflect the Synagogue from 1840 – cultural cities since the Middle Ages, and a traditions of the Jewish people. forum with exhibition and library number of cultural treasures bear The Holocaust memorials and the Jewish cemetery – 100 intact witness to these earlier times. The 'Stolpersteine' (stumbling blocks), graves from when this part of the Old Synagogue in Erfurt is one of the which are embedded in the pavements municipal cemetery opened in largest and best preserved medieval of many Thuringian towns and cities, 1872, first documented in 1417 synagogues in Europe. The mikveh make reference to a tragic chapter in bath in Erfurt is another important Germany’s history. They commemorate 33 | Nordhausen part of Jewish tradition along with the fate of those families who‹ were Mittelbau-Dora concentration the synagogue and cemetery. deported to concentration camps camp – memorial and exhibition Jewish In many places, houses and factories during the Nazi era in the beginning of 'Stolpersteine' (stumbling blocks) Wedding Ring belonging to Jewish families are still the 20th century. commemorating victims of the Nazi intact. This region would not have regime enjoyed such prosperity had it not More information: been for the skill and savvy of the www.thuringian-cities.com

Medieval Mikveh Jewish Bible Hebrew Manuscripts Old Synagogue Erfurt Erfurt 3 4 2

Erfurt 1 5 18 | | 19

11 | Erfurt academic, literary and scientific Classicism – Dacheröden House – Goethe, work in Jena ­Schiller and Humboldt were fre- quent guests to the house 44 | Meiningen Imperial Hall – first performances of Schiller Walking Trail – Schiller Schiller Goethe’s works and the premiere walked this route from his place of of Don Carlos by Schiller refuge in Bauerbach to Meiningen to get books, paper and snuff 22 | Ilmenau and Goethe Goethe Town Museum – featuring 55 | Rudolstadt a room highlighting Goethe’s efforts Schiller House – Former home of to support mining in Ilmenau the von Lengefeld family and the Their legacy is one for all eter­ Schiller’s houses and manuscripts are Museum Jagdhaus Gabelbach – place where Goethe and Schiller nity. Goethe and Schiller have a feature of the Classical Weimar late baroque hunting lodge with an first met in 1788 shaped cultural life in a host of UNESCO World Heritage ensemble. exhibition on the hunting traditions Theatre – Built in 1793 as a summer Thuringian towns and cities. And Sites associated with their lives and of the Weimar court theatre, Goethe directed the their work continues to inspire legacies can also be found in other Goethe’s wooden lodge – The ensemble people all over the world. places in ­Thuringia, including Jena Wandrers Nachtlied: over every University, where Schiller was a hilltop is peace – translated into 66 | Weimar Goethe and Schiller were among the professor, and the Schiller House in various languages Goethe’s House – Johann Wolfgang leading lights of German Classicism. Rudolstadt, where the pair first met. von Goethe lived at this house on Thanks to them, Thuringia became a On the Schiller and Goethe walking 33 | Jena Frauenplan for nearly 50 years place of great cultural achievements. trails, you can make fascinating dis- Schiller’s summer house – Com- Goethe’s Garden House – Goethe’s Their works still feature on the school coveries amidst picturesque scenery memorates the decade Schiller first apartment in Weimar before curriculum in many countries. While – the perfect combination of culture spent in Jena. Schiller and Goethe moving to Frauenplan Friedrich Schiller was almost exclu- and nature. cemented their friendship in Jena. Schiller House – Friedrich Schiller sively engaged with poetry, phil­oso­ In 1797, the famous 'ballads year', spent the final three years of his life phy and history, Johann Wolfgang ‹ they wrote many of their most in this town house on what was von Goethe was a true all-rounder. famous ballads. then the Weimar esplanade. In addition to his activities as a poet Schiller Church – The church where Goethe and Schiller statue – and public servant, he excelled as More information: Schiller married Charlotte von Weimar’s most famous monument. a naturalist, a mining official and a www.thuringian-cities.com Lengefeld in 1790 Goethe and Schiller have stood on collector of minerals. He even wrote www.schiller-lockt.de Goethe Museum at the Botanical Theaterplatz square since 1857. a theory of colours. Goethe and www.goethestrasse.info Gardens – documents Goethe’s

Schiller House Goethe Town Museum Goethe’s Garden House Rudolstadt Ilmenau Weimar

Erfurt 1 6 3

2 5 4 20 | | 21

11 | Altenburg 55 | Jena Luther Altenburg Castle – exhibition St. Michael’s Church ('Stadtkirche') 'Freedom an faith' on Georg Spala- with the original memorial plate tin and his work for Luther and the intended for Luther’s grave, based on electors a design by Lucas Cranach the Elder and the St. Bartholomäi – Interactive Municipal Museum with the Jena Spalatin-­path to five authentic edition of Martin Luther’s works sites of the early reformation 66 | Mühlhausen Reformation 22 | Eisenach Church of St. Mary – a memorial to Luther’s House – Luther’s home Thomas Müntzer during his school days (1498–1501) Peasants’ War Museum – exhibi- Thuringia is considered the Altenburg. Rich Mühlhausen with its Wartburg Castle (UNESCO World tion on the events of the war and heartland of the Reformation. many churches saw the cruel end of Heritage) with the room where its aftermath The sites associated with Martin the peasant’s war. Jena was chosen Luther translated the New Testa- Luther and the legacies from that as the site for a new reformed ment into German 77 | Schmalkalden time offer exciting insights into university, and in Gotha one finds St. George’s Church – Luther gave Luther House – Luther stayed here this momentous period in history. today one of the largest collections numerous sermons at the church. during the Schmalkaldic League of Reformation manuscripts. convened. Wartburg Castle in Eisenach, where 33 | Erfurt Church of St. George – Luther Luther translated the New Testament The Routes to Luther association and Old University – Luther was a preached at the church. into German, and the Augustinian the Luther Trail offer the opportunity student here for five years. monastery in Erfurt, where he lived to learn more about the work of the Augustinian Monastery – An impor- 88 | Weimar as a monk for five years, are among great reformer and theologian who tant site of the Reformation; Luther Church of St. Peter and St. Paul – the most famous Reformation sites in travelled extensively throughout the lived here as a monk for five years. with the famous Cranach altar Germany, but they are by no means region. The Reformation fundamen- Erfurt Cathedral – Luther was Duchess Anna Amalia Library – the only ones in Thuringia. Schmal- tally changed the way the church ordained here. with the Luther Bible kalden was the seat of the power­ operated and its consequences‹ can Cranach Gallery City Palace – full but finally defeated political still be felt in our views of life and 44 | Gotha ­original paintings from the Refor- protestant party. Weimar became a politics today. Research library – in the east tower mation period main residence with Cranach work- of Friedenstein Palace – the collection ing as the duke’s personal painter. More information: of Reformation manuscripts is one of Spalatin set forth the transformation www.thuringian-cities.com the largest of its kind. of an idea into everyday realitiy in www.wege-zu-luther.de

Luther Memorial Luther House Luther Memorial Church of St. George Erfurt Eisenach Plate Jena Schmalkalden

6

2 Erfurt 4 3 8 5 1

7 22 | | 23

11 | Towns of Thuringia Weimar and a landscape of history, Hiking Cycle Route (D4 Route) culture and natural beauty. Eisenach – Gotha – Erfurt – Weimar – Jena – Gera – Altenburg (ca. 225 km) 44 | Werratal-Radweg The Towns of Thuringia Cycle Route Suhl – Meiningen – Schmalkalden – and biking is a long-distance route linking seven Eisenach (ca. 306 km, 200 km in Thuringia) of the most beautiful towns in This long-distance route runs for Thuringia. It passes through some 306 km from the two sources of of the most scenic and historically the river Werra to where the Werra with culture fascinating parts of the region. meets the Weser. It starts near the Rennsteig Trail in the Thuringian 22 | Saale-Radweg Forest Nature Park and it is family There’s no better way to com­ couldn’t be easier in Thuringia. You (D11 Route) friendly and well signposted. bine the cultural treasures of can hire bikes at train stations and Saalfeld – Rudolstadt – Jena ­Thuringia’s historical towns and you have the option of taking a bike (ca. 420 km, 180 km in Thuringia) 55 | Rennsteig Cycle Route cities with the region’s unspoilt with you on the train. Eisenach, Unspoilt upland forests are a feature Suhl – Ilmenau – Eisenach (200 km) scenery than by bike, on one of Erfurt, W­ eimar and Jena even have of the Saale Cycle Route, which The Rennsteig Trail, which runs along the many cycle routes. designated lockers so that cyclists follows the course of the river Saale the ridge of the Thuringian hills, is can leave their luggage behind and through a nature park to two reser- Germany’s most famous hiking trail. A cycling tour in Thuringia is a explore the historical attractions voirs that comprise the 'Thuringian Keen cyclists who enjoy a physical great way to follow in the footsteps on foot. Sightseeing tours by bike, Sea'. From Saalfeld to the conflu- challenge will discover many wayside of historical greats such as Bach, such as the garden tour in Erfurt or ence of the Saale and Elbe rivers, attractions as they ride through Goethe, Luther and Napoleon. River­ the discovery tour in Jena, complete this riverside path is family friendly woodland and meadows on the side tours beside the Saale, Werra, the range of services available. The with few hills. There are also many Rennsteig Cycle Route. Unstrut, Ilm or Elster are equally perfect combination of culture and castles and palaces dotted along the appealing. The Towns of Thuringia exercise. route. Cycle Route links seven of the most Other walking and cycling trails: historical towns in the region and ‹ 33 | Ilm Valley Cycle Route - Unstrut-Radweg is part of the Mittelland Route. This Ilmenau – Weimar – Apolda (ca. 120 km) (ca. 200 km, 150 km in Thuringia) route, also known as D4, runs from Thuringia’s only four-star cycle route - Gera-Radweg (ca. 67 km) Germany’s most westerly point to its runs for 120 kilometres from the - Elster-Radweg (250 km) most easterly and connects to the More information: Thuringian Forest to the vineyards - Napoleon- Radweg (49 km) national long-distance cycle path www.thueringer-staedtekette.de of Bad Sulza, passing through the - Bach-Rad-Erlebnisroute (69 km) network. Getting around by bike www.radroutenplaner.thueringen.de UNESCO World Heritage town of - Lutherweg (ca. 900 km)

Weimar Erfurt Arnstadt Eisenach

5 Erfurt 3 1 2 1 4

3 2 5 4 24 | | 25

11 | Eisenach 44 | Saalfeld Created Automobile World Eisenach Feengrotten - Manufacturing cars for 100 years - The most colourful show caves in - Exhibition on the history of auto- the world, open since 1914 motive manufacturing in Eisenach - Grottoneum interactive museum by men – from Dixis to Opels - Feenweltchen Adventure Park - Historical vehicles, one-off vehicles, (May to October) prototypes and engineering designs 55 | suhl and nature 22 | Jena Weapons Museum Zeiss Planetarium - The only specialist museum of its - Oldest working planetarium in the kind in Europe As well as being a cradle of automotive industry has been produc- world, open since 1926 - Documents the history of hunting classical literature and music, ing various car models for more than - One of the world’s most modern and sports guns over seven centuries ­Thuringia has also given rise to 115 years. Thuringia has also been planetariums, with a unique ingenious inventions, technical inventive with its natural resources. full-dome laser projection system innovations and traditions that A former mine in Saalfeld has been - Multimedia science programmes live on to this day. transformed into fairy grottoes, while and toe-tapping music shows for Sondershausen visitor mine boasts the all the family Who invented it? The Thuringians! deepest concert hall in the world. That goes both for Christmas tree Whether in the field of optics, 33 | Meiningen baubles and for the kindergarten. astronomy, automotive engineering or Steam Locomotive Works The German word 'kindergarten' steam locomotives, Thuringia embrac- - Only railway repair shop that still has even been adopted in many es the new opportunities that modern has the know-how and technology other languages. It might be hard to technologies bring but without losing to repair and maintain historical believe, but the Brooklyn Bridge in sight of its traditional heritage. steam engines New York would not exist were it not - The first German steam locomotive for the engineering ingenuity of a ‹ 'Adler' was restored here Mühlhausen bridge builder. More information: Today, many towns and cities in Thur- www.thuringian-cities.com Planetarium Projector from ingia continue to conduct research and www.feengrotten.de Carl Zeiss Jena drive innovation. ­Optical instruments www.dampflokwerk.de and glass from Carl Zeiss in Jena enjoy www.awe-stiftung.de an international reputation. Eisenach’s www.planetarium-jena.de

Feengrotten Steam Locomotive Automobile World Weapons Museum Saalfeld Meiningen Eisenach Suhl

1 Erfurt 2

4 3 5 26 | | 27

11 | Altenburg 66 | Meiningen Theatre Castle theatre festival – historical GRASGRÜN – summer festival theatre and musical festival in the offering outstanding concerts and courtyard of Altenburg Castle open-air performances with differ- ent themes every year and 22 | Arnstadt Bach Festival – a modern, 77 | Rudolstadt wide-ranging and world-class TFF – Roots-folk-world music – one festival of Bach’s music, performed of the biggest and most renowned festivals at original locations associated with festivals for world music in Europe the Bach family 88 | Sondershausen Whether it’s jazz in the streets, region. Suhl hosts the Provinzschrei, 33 | Erfurt Palace theatre festival – lavish per- opera on cathedral steps or world a multi-award-winning literature and Merchants’ Bridge Festival – largest formances in the fairytale setting of music at exhilarating events – arts festival featuring a line-up of medieval festival in Thuringia the palace courtyard international visitors flock to prominent artists. By the way: with Cathedral Steps Festival – annual Thuringia’s towns and cities every 15 producing houses Thuringia has open-air opera spectacle set 99 | Weimar year to experience a vibrant the­ more theatres and orchestras than against the romantic backdrop Kunstfest – festival of contemporary atre and festival scene. any other German state. Often in of St. Mary’s Cathedral and the theatre, music, performance and beautifully restored settings like Mei- Church of St. Severus dance As well as boasting a wealth of ningen. Thanks to art loving dukes Weimar Summer – summer theatre, historical attractions, Thuringia also and princes! The Greiz Autumn The- 44 | Gotha open-air concerts, exhibitions, offers an eclectic calendar of events. atre Festival is a nationally acclaimed Ekhof Theatre/Ekhof Festival – the street festivals and more Many, such as the Thuringian Bach event that sees theatre professionals, oldest baroque theatre in the world Spiegelzelt – music, theatre and Festival, Jena’s KulturArena festival amateurs, artists and musicians with original stage machinery variety in a historical mirror marquee and the Rudolstadt Dance and Folk working side by side. Festival, already have an interna- 55 | Jena tional following. Then there are the ‹ KulturArena – seven-week open-air traditional volksfeste such as the festival featuring theatre, music Sommergewinn festival in Eisenach and film, world music, jazz and and the Mühlhausen kirmes, which high-brow pop is Germany’s largest town funfair. Theatre in Motion – international Another firm fixture is the Thuringian More information: dance festival Jazz Mile, which is held across the www.thuringian-cities.com

Ekhof Festival KulturArena Theatre Gotha Jena Altenburg 8

Erfurt 4 3 9 5 1 2 7 6 | 29 Architecture

The Romanesque brick towers, the 'Red Spires', are a national mo- nument as one of the oldest brick structures in Germany. The Gothic churches, the Renaissance town hall and the numerable baroque town houses are magnificent examples of Castle and the citizens’ high self-esteem. The Playing Card Museum villas, boulevards, the castle park, the theatre and museum buildings show High upon a porphyry rock the the wealth of the 19th century. Altenburg castle has dominated the town for more than a thousand years. The castle museum shows the lifestyle of dukes and princes with valuable collections of watches, porcelain and weaponry as well as changing exhibitions and the unique playing card museum with cards from five centuries and from all over the world.

Reformation

Martin Luther sent his friend Georg Spalatin to Altenburg to realize the ideas of the Reformation in practical Castle and life. Today you can follow in the Playing Card Museum footsteps of Spalatin in order to visit Altenburg five authentic places of the Refor- mation. Starting point is Spalatin’s church St. Bartholomew with an Altenburg is known as the birthplace of Germany’s most popular card game exhibition on the time and ideas «SKAT». Only one hour’s drive from Leipzig, Weimar and Chemnitz, the town Lindenau Art Museum which made the Reformation a spirit- is a place to time travel: Come and dive into 1000 years of German history ual and political milestone to date. from medieval Emperor Frederick Barbarossa to the Reformation and to the The collections of Bernhard August peaceful revolution 'Die Wende'. Strolling through narrow cobbled streets, von Lindenau build the foundation of along magnificent 19th century buildings, through parks or to market place, the museum, which is showing early Good to know in Altenburg one is immediately taken back to a different world. Italian Renaissance paintings, ancient 500 years ago the first playing card sculptures, antique Etruscan ceramics, makers came from Nuremberg to Alten­ Altenburger Tourismus-Information expressionistic and modern art as well burg. Today nearly all German playing Markt 17 / 04600 Altenburg / Tel. +49 (0) 3447 512800 as special exhibitions.The Lindenau Art cards are produced here. A great sou­ venir to bring back home together www.altenburg-tourismus.de Museum is one of the most important with local specialities like beer, herbal museums in Germany and surely the liqueur, goat cheese and mustards. most relaxed. | 31 Citizens’ Fountain

The fountain’s bowl is modelled on Apolda’s coat of arms, a tree stump with sprouting branches. Four relief plates show what made Apolda fa- mous: the bell-founding, the brewery, the famous knitwear factory and the breeding of the Doberman dog.

A rt House Apolda Avantgarde

Internationally significant exhibitions attract thousands of visitors to the Apolda Art House every year. Since 2005 young artists have been able to exhibit at the 'Kabinett im Kunsthaus', which gives them the chance to present their work to a larger audience.

Bell Museum

The museum, foundet in 1952, shows the cultural history of the bell Zimmermann Building from its beginnings until the present day and pays tribute to the Apolda The former 'warehouse, administ- bell casters. And the special thing ration and factory building' of the about the museum is that the visitors company Christian Zimmermann & Market Place with Town Hall are allowed to touch and even ring Son, the biggest knitwear producer Apolda most of the bells. around 1890, is now the seat of the administrative district office of the Weimarer Land. The terracotta frieze, In the 18th century Apolda developed into a manufacturing and trading town which is positioned on the building with noteworthy bell foundries and a flourishing textile industry. Knitwear at eye level, deserves particular from Apolda is still synonymous with fashion and quality. Over 20.000 bells attention.­ It vividly illustrates the cast in Apolda and now scattered over the world. Significant exhibitions attract 'way of the wool', the production thousands of visitors to the Apolda Art House every year. process of knitted fabrics. Even today, numerous villas and town houses in Art Nouveau style and dating from the turn of the century give Apolda its distinctive character. good to know Tourist-Information Apolda The Dobermann can actually be traced Markt 1 / 99510 Apolda / Tel. +49 (0) 3644 650100 back to the breeder Karl Friedrich Louis www.apolda.de Dobermann from Apolda, which makes it the only breed of dog to be named after its breeder. | 33 Palace Museum inside the New Palace

The palace museum in Arnstadt is inseparably linked with 'Mon plaisir', the unique baroque village in minia- ture which is on display there. Over 82 scenes present an intimate picture of life in an 18th century regal town. The former royal palace, an unpreten- tious baroque residence in the town centre, also houses the Bach exhibi- tion which has become renowned far beyond Thuringia’s borders. In 2014 the ballroom has been reopened.

Church of Our Lady

For the most part the Church of Our Lady was build in the 12th and 13th centuries. Together with Naumburg Cathedral, it is considered the most significant ecclesiastical building in central Germany from the transition period from Romanesque to Gothic. Inside the church, the sculpture of the 'Beautiful Madonna' carved in linden wood and the ornate 15th century winged altar are particularly striking. Bach church and Arnstadt hops-fountain

Bach Church Arnstadt is the oldest town in Thuringia and was first mentioned in the year of 704. The lovingly restored old quarter is a fusion of half-timbered houses and First records of the former Church baroque architecture. Every cobblestone here exudes music and history. Many of St. Boniface on the market square legends permeate the walls of the town’s ancient buildings. As a young man, date back to 1333. The organ builder J. S. Bach took his first post as an organist here. The modern Bach exhibition Johann Friedrich Wender made an in the palace museum gives a comprehensive insight into the Bach family, and organ for what was by then called includes Bach’s original organ console. the New Church which was tested by Good to know Bach when he was only 18 years old. Bach Festival Arnstadt − In March each Arnstadt Tourist-Information After authorities had noticed his talent year, visitors can experience the music Markt 1 / 99310 Arnstadt / Tel. +49 (0) 3628 602049 he had been appointed as organist of J. S. Bach at the original locations! www.arnstadt.de there in August 1703. He remained in Fantastic organ music, guided tours and walks in J.S. Bach’s footsteps, Arnstadt until 1707. The church also theatre performances and comedy. houses a romantic Steinmeyer organ. | 35

W r artbu g Castle L uther House

The castle has been a mighty fortifi- It is 500 years old and almost certainly cation and magnificent residence for the oldest and most beautiful timber- almost a thousand years. Courtly art framed building in Eisenach. It contains from the Middle Ages, St. Elisabeth’s an exhibition and the Protestant Parso­ life and work, Martin Luther’s trans- nage Archive. The Cotta family took lation of the New Testament and the such good care of Martin Luther dur­ German student fraternities’ festival, ing his schooldays here (1498–1501). all combine to make Wartburg Castle an outstanding monument of German history and culture.

Bach House

The 'musical museum' in the town where he was born – contains the world’s largest exhibition on the life and work of Johann Sebastian Bach. Visitors can enjoy a live musical per- Town palace formance played on historical instru- Wartburg ments in this authentic setting. Gottfried Heinrich Krohne built the Eisenach town palace during the mid-18th century as a commission for Duke Ernst August. Today it is used by the The town of Eisenach and Wartburg Castle both owe their fame to individuals Thuringian Museum to present the of world renown. The UNESCO world cultural heritage Wartburg Castle was porcelain collection and temporary the home of St. Elisabeth and the inspiration for Richard Wagner’s opera, exhibitions. Tannhäuser. It is also where Martin Luther translated the New Testament into German. Johann Sebastian Bach was born in Eisenach, Martin Luther was at school here for three years. Eisenach also has a strong tradition of car manu- Good to know facturing and development which goes back over a hundred years. Heritage area 'Südviertel' − Aficionados of Art Nouveau ornaments, wrought- Eisenach Tourist-Information iron garden gate art or impressive bay Markt 24 / 99817 Eisenach / Tel. +49 (0) 3691 79230 variations will love the south district www.eisenach.info of Eisenach: In the largest one-piece mansion district of Germany Eisenach shows itself at its best. | 37 Cathedral Hill

The impressive ensemble of St. Mary’s Cathedral and the Church of St. Severus on Cathedral Hill is one of the city’s most famous landmarks. The windows in St. Mary’s Cathedral are among the most significant cycles of stained glass in Germany in terms of their scale, thematic richness and artistic quality. The central tower houses the 'Gloriosa', the world’s largest medieval free-swinging bell, which is over 500 years old. Petersberg Citadel

The only extensively preserved ba­ roque town fortress in central Europe (17th century), was built on the site of a former Benedictine monastery. The fascinating passageways beneath the fortress can only be visited as part of a guided tour from Erfurt Tourist Merchants’ Bridge Information.

Krämerbrücke (14th century) is the longest bridge in Europe constructed completely with houses along its entire length (120 m). It is lined with galleries and boutiques offering traditional St. Mary’s Cathedral and the Thuringian blue printed fabrics, hand-­ Church of St. Severus painted ceramics, wood carvings and Erfurt culinary specialities. The bridge takes centre stage every June during the Merchants’ Bridge Festival – the largest Erfurt is Thuringia’s 1,270 year old state capital. Situated at the crossing point Old Town festival in Thuringia. of ancient trade routes Erfurt grew into a university town during the Middle Ages. Its medieval heart is one of the best preserved anywhere in Germany. Cathedral Steps Even now, its many lovingly restored Renaissance buildings, half-timbered hou­ Theater Festival ses, churches, abbeys, Cathedral Hill and Merchants’ Bridge reflect its wealthy past. Erfurt has attracted numerous illustrious individuals, including Luther, Every summer the Cathedral Steps Good to know Goethe, Bach and Napoleon. which run between the magnificent Erfurt’s Christmas Market with its architectural ensemble of the Cathe­ tradition of 165 years approximately, is one of the loveliest in the whole of Erfurt Tourist Information dral of St. Mary and the Church of Germany and is the largest in Thurin­ Benediktsplatz 1 / 99084 Erfurt / Tel. +49 (0) 361 66400 St. Severus are transformed into one gia. Erfurt’s medieval old town centred www.erfurt-tourismus.de of the world´s most beautiful festival on Domplatz (Cathedral Square) is the perfect setting for the specially stages. Each year the Theater Erfurt atmospheric time of Advent. organizes this special open air festival. | 39 Theater

The magnificent Gera theatre in Art Nouveau architecture combines theatre and concert hall under one roof, offering performances in 5 categories. The unrivaled program of opera, operetta, concerts and plays, musicals, ballet and puppet shows provides something for every taste.

O tto Dix House

To honor the 100th anniversary of the birth of the painter and ­graphic artist Otto Dix on December 2, 1991 the house where he was born opened its doors as a museum. An extensive collection of paintings from all pha- ses of his work await the visitor in a home depicting life in a worker’s household around 1900.

Haus Schulenburg

Today the 'Haus Schulenburg' is Town Hall probably the only completely preser- Gera ved Art Nouveau villa by the Belgian architect Henry van de Velde. The mansion hosts a convention center, The many prestigious mansions and lovingly refurbished villas adorn the old a cafeteria and a Henry van de Velde town center. The Gera theatre with its rich traditions and four museums give Museum showing the world’s second the visitor an insight into Gera’s colorful cultural life. The Gera art collection Geraer Höhler – largest collection of book designs, and the museum of Gera’s most famous artist, the painter Otto Dix, host a the Gera caves diagrams, textiles and furniture variety of Fine Art treasures. A further, very special attraction in Gera is the which belonged to the artist. labyrinth of caves and tunnels under the city, the so-called 'Geraer Höhler'. The underground labyrinth of corri- dors and niches under the city were created between the 16th and 19th Good to know Tourist Information Gera centuries for the storage of beer and The best idea is to sample the taste Heinrichstraße 35 /07545 Gera / Tel. +49 (0) 365 8304480 go up to eleven meters below ground of Gera with a Schmalzbrot (bread www.gera-tourismus.de level. Every two years the light and art and dripping), which is called locally a 'Fettbemme' and is served with salt exhibition 'Höhler Biennale' is held in and a spiced gherkin. the Gera 'underworld'. | 41 ' The Baroque Universe'

The Baroque Universe of Gotha with Friedenstein Palace is the largest early baroque palace in Germany. It is quite extra extraordinary that such a historical ensemble – including a palace, park, church, theatre, library, archive and the ducal collections – has survived intact to this day. The Baroque Festival exterior of the palace may be so- mewhat understated, but the ducal On the last weekend in August, rooms inside are magnificent. Friedenstein palace becomes the setting for the Baroque Festival. This has plenty of visitor appeal, including an opportunity to see the 'duke' with his household and officials, perhaps out on a hunt or holding an audience. The biggest baroque festival of central germany.

The Ducal Museum

The Ducal Museum was built to provide a prestigious location for the numerous collections. The castle´s treasures include Egyptian antiqui- ties, antiques, paintings and pictures Friedenstein Palace by Cranach, Dürer, Rubens and C. D. Thuringian Forest tram Gotha Friedrich, sculptures by Houdon and de Vries, porcelain from Meissen and Asia, The Thuringian tram is valid as one Japanese lacquer work. Their richness of the nicest rural tram running out 'Gotha is old – Gotha is beautiful'. Deligthfully situated between the Thurin- and diversity reflect the entire world. into the Thuringian Forest. She goes gian Forest an Hainich National Park Gotha is a fascinating town with much from Gotha to Tabarz (thuringian to offer. It is a rewarding place to visit either for a cultural break or to explore forest) since 1929! the beautiful countryside. The former seat of the duchy of Saxe-Gotha is easy to reach and with its historic buildings and monuments offers something for every taste. Gotha is first mentioned in writing as' villa gotaha' in a document Good to know from Charlemagne in 775. The old residence city is world famous for its legendary aristocratic calendar Tourist Information Gotha / Gothaer Land 'The Gotha', first published in 1763. It Hauptmarkt 33 / 99867 Gotha / Tel. +49 (0) 3621 50785712 was a 'Who´s Who' of the blue-blooded www.kultourstadt.de and it was a must for people who wan­ ted to be seen as nobility to be inclu­ ded in this calendar. | 43 T he Summer Residence ' Sommerpalais'

The summer residence was built from 1769 to 1779 in early classical style. These days, the visitor can find here different exhibitions: the book and copper engraving collection and the 'SATIRICUM', a collection of historical and contemporary caricatures.

T pphe 'U er Palace'

The 'Upper Palace' is the former royal seat and the symbol of the town. It is situated on a 50-meter high slate stone peak above the city. The 'Upper Palace' was first menti- oned in official documents in 1209 and in 1225. During a guided tour art Nouveau through the palace, the visitors can Architecture find interesting details and they will enjoy a beautiful view of Greiz. After the great fire in 1902, the houses on 'Marktstraße/Thomas­straße' were built in Art Nouveau style. The most beautiful house is the house on the corner of 'Burgstraße/Marktstraße'. It is decorated with a glass mosaic. View of the Upper and Greiz Lower Palace

Greiz, the 'pearl of the Vogtland', is in eastern Thuringia. The seat of the Prin- ces of Reuss Elder Line for centuries, its two castles and architectural splendour reflect this legacy even today. Bridges are also a feature of Greiz: the White The 'Lower Palace' Elster river winds its way through the heart of the town and through the densely wooded valley. The palace was built in 1564 next to the church called 'St. Marien'. After the great fire in 1802, the palace was rebuilt in classical style. Today the mu- Tourist-Information Greiz seum of history of the town, the tou- Burgplatz 12 / Unteres Schloss / 07973 Greiz / Tel. +49 (0) 3661 689815 rist information office and the 'Greiz Good to know www.greiz.de Textile Studio', which is an exhibition Did you know ... that Greiz has streets in many different varieties of of different kinds of looms, are situa- art nouveau? ted in the 'Lower Palace'. | 45 Goethehäuschen

The little wooden hunting lodge cal- led the Goethehäuschen is situated on the Goethe Path. On its inside wall, 1780 Goethe inscribed one of his loveliest poems, reflecting on nightfall and old age: 'The Wandrers Nachtlied'. In 1870 the original hut went up in flames because of the care­ lessness of people picking berries. It was restored four years later. Courthouse with GoetheStadtMuseum The Wandrers Nachtlied Hushed lie the hills; It was built by the Dowager Countess Hardly a breath stirs, Sophie von Henneberg as her home The treetops barely whisper: on widowhood, so that from 1756 Silent now are the birds. there were courtrooms for the local Hushed shalt thou also be, justice and living accommodation for Wait only, rest will come to thee. members of the ducal family. When Goethe came to Ilmenau on their behalf he used to stay in the room at the south-east corner. Today, the Amtshaus is home to the Goethe- StadtMuseum. Here Goethe the poet, the public servant and the natural scientist is presented.

Museum Hunting Lodge Ilmenau – city centre Ilmenau This building is in late baroque style though relatively plain. It is now set out as a museum offering fascinating Welcome to a university town with Johann Wolfgang von Goethe associations insights into hunting as a pastime, Many things distinguish Ilmenau with its population of almost 30,000 – the into the social life of the Court of natural beauty of the Thüringer Wald (Thuringian Forest) an old town centre, Weimar, and into the scientific pur- the campus of Ilmenau University of Technology, renowned for research, and suits of Goethe. the associations with the town’s most famous visitor, Goethe. The minors room in the GoetheStadtMuseum gives an insight into Ilmenau’s copper and silver mining and Goethes efforts to keep the mining trade alive. Good to know Sound of Science Ilmenau-Information One of the inventors of MP3, the Am Markt 1 / 98693 Ilmenau / Tel. +49 (0) 3677 600300 data format, is Professor Karlheinz www.ilmenau.de Brandenburg, who is head of Ilmenau’s Fraunhofer Institute for Digital Media Technology. | 47 City Museum & Art Gallery Jena

Especially in the field of classical modern art like the works of Auguste Rodin, Emile Nolde and Wassily Kandinsky major exhibitions in Art Gallery Jena highly publicised. The city museum shows unique features such as the 7 wonders of Jena or a model of a planetarium R omanticist House from the 17th century.

The exhibition at the former home of philosopher Johann Gottlieb Fichte illustrates the theme of early Romanticism in Jena and explores the cultural and intellectual influences on this young generation of poets, literary critics and philosophers.

Optical Museum

Visitors to the Optical Museum can discover how optical instruments, such as spectacles, telescopes, microscopes and cameras, have developed over five centuries. In the historical Zeiss workshop of 1866 you can see how Carl Zeiss made Museum 1806 Zeiss Planetarium Jena microscopes in the mid-19th century. Jena On 14 October 1806 the famous battle of Jena took place here between the French Army led by Jena is in an idyllic setting on the banks of the river Saale, surrounded by hills Napoleon I and the Prussian Army. where many orchid species thrive. Jena University was founded in 1558 but its The background and the events of the heyday was after 1785, as a result of Goethe’s patronage. One of the university’s Battle of Jena-Auerstedt are brought most illustrious professors was Friedrich Schiller. Today Jena is a much sought- to life in the museum. Retrace the after place to study in Germany. Ernst Abbe and Carl Zeiss, mould-breakers past with Janet Cardiff’s Audio Walk. in the field of optics, both worked in Jena. Napoleon’s famous battle against Prussia took place at Jena in 1806. Good to know JenTower panoramic viewing platform Jena Tourist-Information The JenTower is 159 metres tall and has a Markt 16 / 07743 Jena / Tel. +49 (0) 3641 498050 mirror facade, is Jena’s most distinctive www.jenatourismus.de landmark. From 128 metres up you get phenomenal views of the town, the Triassic limestone cliffs in the distance. | 49 Schloss Elisabethenburg

The former residence of the dukes of Saxe-Meiningen was erected as a three-winged Baroque palace com- plex in 1682–1692. Today, the castle accommodates one of the 'Meininger museums'. In the 19th century, thanks the work of artists such as Brahms, Strauss, Reger, Wagner, Ibsen under Meiningen Theatre the auspices of the theatre enthusiast Duke Geog II, the Meiningen court An important chapter in the annals of established itself as one of Germany’s European theatre history was written most important cultural centres. here, since 'the Meiningen theatre is the place where modern Regietheater was invented' (R. Schechner, New York University) Performances from drama and opera to concerts, musicals and ballet at the great classicist building.

Steam Lokomotive Work

The German Railways Steam Lokomo- tive Work is the only railway repair shop in Germany that still has the know-how Theatre museum and technology to repair and maintain 'Magic World of Scenery' historic steam engines. The annual Steam Locomotive Festival attracts thou- At the unusual venue – the former sands of steam locomotive enthusiast. Castle ducal riding hall – daily presentations, Elisabethenburg which include the display of a historic Meiningen stage set with scenic illumination and a 20-minute movie (available also in English, French, Japanese) will give Without Meiningen – no Hollywood?! The town’s ensemble of actors was the visitor a vivid idea of how the considered the epitome of European dramatic art in the late 19th century. 'Meininger' ensemble made European Meiningen is a destination for theatre aficionados as well as steam engine theatre history. enthusiasts. In the various castles, parks and museums you’ll encounter an abundance of historical figures – the composers Brahms and Reger, the poet Schiller and Princess Adelaide who, born and raised in Meiningen, became Good to know queen consort of the United Kingdom. The famous Thuringian dumplings were actually invented in the 16th century Tourist-Information Meiningen in Meiningen. Markt 14 / 98617 Meiningen / Tel. +49 (0) 3693 44650 'Knastessen' − Dinner in the former www.meiningen.de city jail Fronveste, an extraordinary experience | 51 H istorical fortifications

The town wall with its sturdy towers is 2,750 metres long and was built in the 13th century. From the 'Inneres Frauentor', it is possible to walk along the fortifications for 330 metres.

Corn Market Church − Peasants’ War Museum

The Corn Market Church houses an exhibition illustrating the course of the German Peasants’ War, including its key events and aftermath, within the context of the era and German history in general.

Church of St. Mary − Müntzer memorial

After Erfurt Cathedral, this is the largest hall church in Thuringia. It houses an exhibition on the life and work of the radical church reformer Thomas Müntzer.

View at Jakobi and Mühlhausen St. Mary Church Divi Blasii Church It was built in the 13th and 14th centuries by the German Orden and Mühlhausen developed from a 10th century imperial palace into a flourishing was the first big church in Gothic style imperial and Hanseatic town. Today, the townscape is still characterised by the in central Germany. In 1707/1708 town wall, eleven Gothic churches and the town hall. When radical Reformer Johann Sebastian Bach worked in Thomas Müntzer preached here in 1524–1525, Mühlhausen became a focal here as organist. High profile events point of the Reformation and the Peasants’ War. From the 16th century on- and concerts take place here. wards, writers and composers – most notably Johann Sebastian Bach – earned the town a reputation as a centre of Protestant church music.

Good to know Tourist Information Mühlhausen walks through the UNESCO World Ratsstraße 20 / 99974 Mühlhausen / Tel. +49 (0) 3601 404770 ­Heritage National Park Hainich www.muehlhausen.de builder of the Brooklyn Bridge Johann A. Roebling, was born in Mühlhausen | 53 K unsthaus Meyenburg

The 'Kunsthaus Meyenburg' in Nordhausen is a center of arts and culture in northern Thuringia and the Harz Mountains. The alternation between regional and national signi­ ficant special exhibitions is achie­ ving more and more attention. The exhibitions of well known artists, for example Barlach, Hundertwasser or Dalí, which are shown as retrospecti- ves, attract not only.

H arzer Schmalspurbahn

In Nordhausen, the Harzer Schmal- spur Bahn (a traditional coal train) begins its curvy journey to the top of the Brocken; which is the highest mountain in the Harz Mountains.

Museum 'Tabakspeicher'

In the former tobacco warehouse from the 18th century, are now Theatre shown exhibitions about trade, Nordhausen industry and archeology in Nord­ hausen. Inter-active areas such as, the telecommunications engineering or Nordhausen, the 1000 year old town, is the thuringian gateway to the Harz Moun- KZ-Gedenkstätte the historic cinema room, invite the tains. The new town center, the marvelous surroundings with the unique plaster ' Mittelbau-Dora' visitors to get active themselves. karst country, the wide range of leisure activities, the variety of arts and culture give the town a very special charm. Also fun and adventure doesn’t come too short. The 'wonder weapons' V1 and V2, The visitors can dare to go by steaming locomotives up a curvy track to the top of as they were propagated by Goebbels, the Brocken, they can spoil their palate with sampling 'Echtem Doppelkorn', they were built in the underground tunnel Good to know can climb in the high-wire garden or admire the imposing Roland statue. system from 1944. In the course of In the last traditional and lovingly restored distillery in Nordhausen. The this, about 20,000 concentration visitors get a through tour to know Stadtinformation Nordhausen camp prisoners lost their lives. The the history and technology of the grain Markt 1 / 99734 Nordhausen / Tel. +49 (0) 3631 696797 memorial contains the area of the distillery. Subsequent to the tour is a www.nordhausen.de former concentration camp, remai- tasting of homemade products, which are available in the new adventure ning buildings, a museum building shop. and also parts of the tunnel system. | 55 T huringian Farmhouses

The Thuringian Farmhouses are the ol- dest open-air museum in Germany. At risk of dereliction, these half-timbered buildings were taken from several surrounding villages between 1914 and 1915 and relocated here. The museum features original furniture H eidecksburg Palace and all kinds of everyday objects that give an insight into rural life in Thurin- Formerly the seat of the princes of gia in a bygone era. Of particular inte- Schwarzburg-Rudolstadt, this is one rest is the authentic village pharmacy. of the most magnificent baroque palaces in Thuringia. The Thuringian Palaces and Gardens Foundation, the Thuringian State Museum and the Thuringian State Archive are all based here. The palace also houses the 'Rococo en miniature' exhibi- tion, a porcelain collection, a natural history collection and a picture gal- lery. There are hourly guided tours of the state rooms and residential apartments.

Good to know 'Transparent Porcelainmanufactory' – Heidecksburg In 2006/2007 the old factory building Palace of the 'Aelteste Volkstedter Porzellan­ Rudolstadt manufaktur', built in the 18th century, was changed into a 'Transparent Porce­ lainmanufactory' and in this way four manufactories and one Department of Set amidst beautiful countryside, this vibrant, charming town boasts a wealth Art were joined together. Schiller House Visitors of the 'Transparent Porcelain­ of historical attractions. It is overlooked by baroque Heidecksburg Palace, a manufactory' now can look over the former royal residence and now home to a collection of architectural, cultural shoulders of the artists and watch, and historical treasures. Beneath it is the old quarter with its winding lanes, The widow Louise von Lengefeld lived how pieces of art are originated. churches and Renaissance houses. Today, the town where the poets Goethe in this house, built in 1720, with her and Schiller first met in 1788 is an ideal base for trips along the river Saale and daughters, Caroline and Charlotte, into the Thuringian Forest. who later became Schiller’s wife. This is also where Schiller first met Goethe, Tourist-Information Rudolstadt in 1788. The museum documents Markt 5 / 07407 Rudolstadt / Tel. +49 (0) 3672 486440 this occasion, which had such a mo- www.rudolstadt.de mentous impact on the literary world, but main focus of the exhibition is on Schiller and the two young women. | 57

F eengrotten Saalfeld – Municipal museum in the World Full of Fantasy former Franciscan abbey

The Feengrotten has earned a Founded around 1250, this is the proud place in the Guinness Book of best preserved abbey complex in World Records as the most colourful Thuringia. The twin-aisled church showcaves in the world. Today, it dates back to around 1300, the is one of the most popular tourist monastery and chapels were built attractions in Thuringia and stands around 1500. Since 1904 it has been as an impressive testimony to mining a museum. in the Middle Ages. Many centuries ago, the first miners began their St. John’s Church search for gold, silver and other prized metals under the city of Saal- One of the largest hall churches in feld. However, it was alum shale Thuringia, it was built between 1380 that was discovered here, a mineral and 1514 and influenced by the used for the processing of alum and Parler cathedral builders in Prague. vitriol. As the mineral was extracted, Today it is a parish church. The inte- an underground cave was created rior features a Holy Sepulchre, bota- Discover the which, over time, filled slowly with a nical frescos in the choir vault and a 'stone chronicle of Thuringia' fascinating dripstone world. Discover life-size sculpture of John the Baptist. Saalfeld furthermore the Feenweltchen, the Fairyworld Adventure Park above Hoher Schwarm the Showvcaves and the Experience-­ castle ruin Saalfeld lies on the banks of the river Saale, surrounded by the mountains Museum Grottoneum. Spend an of the Thuringian Forest. The town has many beautiful old buildings from its unforgettable day in the world of the The castle belonged to the Counts 1,100-year history, which give it a medieval feel and have earned it the soubri- miners and the realm of the fairies. of Schwarzburg and was built quet 'the stone chronicle of Thuringia'. Today, Saalfeld is famous as the 'town around 1300 as a residential tower of fairy grottoes' throughout Germany and beyond. and bailiff’s lodge. It has been a ruin since the mid-16th century.

Tourist-Information Saalfeld Good to know Markt 6 / 07318 Saalfeld (Saale) / Tel. +49 (0) 3671 522181 You can have an impressive view over www.saalfeld-tourismus.de Saalfeld and the surrounding area from the Darrtor which is the oldest gate tower of the medieval fortifications. | 59

View over the W ilhelmsburg Palace market to the castle This treasure trove of Renaissance art and culture was built between 1585 and 1590 as a secondary residence for the Landgraves of Hessen and contains marvellous banqueting halls and palace apartments with original wall paintings and stucco work. A permanent exhibition takes visitors back to the time of the Renaissance, the Reformation in Europe and courtly life in the 16th century.

I wein and the Knights of the Round Table

The oldest secular wall paintings north of the Alps (created between 1225 and 1230) depict the 'Iwein' saga after Hartmann von Aue’s verse epic and are of enormous historical and literary value. Although the originals Town Church of are safely stored away from public St.George view, a 1:1 scale reproduction at Wil- helmsburg Palace bring the legendary Built between 1437 and 1509 and world of Iwein and King Arthur to life. dominating the old quarter, this is one of the finest gothic hall churches Finstertal Visitor Mine in Thuringia. Martin Luther and the Schmalkalden most distinguished Protestant theo- Iron and manganese was mined in logians of the Reformation preached these 350 metres of tunnels until here in 1537. 1934. Visitors to the mine can view Situated on the sunny side of the Thuringian Forest, the over 1139 years old geological formations and remar- medie­val town of Schmalkalden makes an ideal destination for visitors inte- kably colourful, fluorescent minerals, rested in nature, history and art. The town played a central role in the politics as well as equipment used by miners of the Reformation, with the founding of the Schmalkaldic League and the throughout the ages. publication of Martin Luther’s Schmalkaldic Articles. Wilhelmsburg Palace is one of Germany’s most important Renaissance monuments, housing original wall paintings and one of Europe’s oldest wood pipe organs. Good to know The 'Transparent Chocolate' in the Viba Nougat World, visitors can enjoy a Tourist-Information Schmalkalden 2500 m² museum-type and interactive Auergasse 6–8 / 98574 Schmalkalden / Tel. +49 (0) 3683 403182 exhibition with show confectionery www.schmalkalden.com behind glass. On creative courses, they can learn all about the production of chocolate bars, chocolates or truffles. | 61 Possen leisure and recreation park with viewing tower

The recreation park with its former royal hunting lodge (now a restaurant with traditional German food), animal enclosures, high ropes course, horse riding, leisure pursuits and bungalow village is located just six kilometres outside Sondershausen in the Hain- leite hills. The park is surrounded by Pala ce ensemble open meadows and beech forests. Its octagonal half-timbered tower, built The former residence of the Princes of in 1781, is the tallest of its kind in Schwarzburg-Sondershausen is consi- Germany (44.8 m) and is a popular dered to be one of the most beautiful viewing point. palaces in Thuringia. The extensive grounds include an octagonal baroque Church of lodge, parkland and former stables the Holy Trinity which house the Sondershausen State Music Academy. A tour of the palace Consecrated in 1691, the Church of takes visitors on a journey through dif- the Holy Trinity still serves the local ferent centuries and period styles ran- parish, as well as being a venue for ging from Romanesque to Historicism. concerts. The Church’s restored Hey organ with its baroque front, the Electoral box, pulpit and royal mau- Palace ensemble soleum (added between 1890 and 1891) all merit a visit. Guided tours Sondershausen by arrangement.

Sondershausen, once the seat of the Princes of Schwarzburg-Sondershausen, has a rich heritage of music and mining. Close to the history-steeped Kyffhäuser hills, it offers an ideal mix of culture, leisure and sport. The vibrant music scene extends to historical venues and even below ground, while the densely wooded Good to know surroundings are ideal for walking, touring and exploring. At Sondershausen Historical buildings 'Glückauf' visitor mine – The world ol­ Palace’s annual summer festival, young soloists perform operas accompanied by around market square dest accessible potash mine is a popular the famous Loh Orchestra. site of interest. In addition to a museum The historical buildings surrounding documenting 100 years of potash mining, visitors can expect unique and unforget­ Touristinformation Sondershausen the modern market square reflect table experiences 700 meters below the 'Alte Wache' / Markt 9 / 99706 Sondershausen / Tel. +49 (0) 3632 788111 Sondershausen’s past. They include ground, such as punting on a salt slide www.sondershausen.de the old royal guard house, the Prince’­ s with 40 degree incline, concerts in the world deepest concert hall, as well as Palace, the Zum Schwan inn, the sports and other subterranean events. town hall and the old post station. | 63 S hooting range

A modern facility set in the most scenic surroundings in Germany that has hosted European and World Championships and World Cups.

W eapons Museum

The only specialist museum of its kind in Europe, documenting the history of hunting and sports guns over seven centuries. It also stages Suhl Congress Centre temporary exhibitions on different themes. In one of the most modern conference sites in Germany you will find everything under one roof: conference halls, fun pool, gastro- nomic establishments, gallery, multi- storey car park, tourist information and hotel.

Suhl Armourer of Suhl

Suhl is situated in a charming valley on the southwest slopes of the Thurin- gian Forest. One of the most scenic towns in Thuringia, Suhl is surrounded by majestic mountains and endless forests. It is also close to the Rennsteig, Germany’s famous mountain trail. The town is known for its long-established Vehicle Museum mining traditions and for the manufacturing of hunting and sports guns. For decades, marksmen around the world have associated the name of Suhl with The Vehicle Museum charts Suhl’s well-crafted weapons and shooting competitions. manufacturing, motorsport and Good to know motor vehicle heritage since 1896 In Cold War times, Suhl was home to Suhl Tourismus-Information in 1,100 square metres of exhibition the only Japanese restaurant in all of Friedrich-König-Straße 7 / 98527 Suhl / Tel. +49 (0) 3681 788405 space. A special exhibition on the East Germany. In 2012 the story of this www.suhl-ccs.de extraordinary restaurant in this very 'Thuringian Forest autobahn A71/ special time was even made into a A73' is currently on display in the movie, Sushi in Suhl. atrium of the Suhl Congress Centre. | 65 Belvedere Palace

The entire palace grounds, the palace itself, the baroque gardens, the for- mer animal enclosure and the oran- gery were built in the 18th century for Duke Ernst August. Porcelain, glassware and historical furniture from the late 17th to 19th century are on display at the palace.

Buchenwald memorial site

Between 1937 and 1945 more than 50,000 foreign prisoners and opponents of the Nazis were brutally murdered at Buchenwald. The today’s memorial is dedicated to the victims of the concentration camp and Weimarer Weihnacht the later Soviet internment camp (Speziallager Nr. 2). When the town centre of Weimar is lit up by fairy lights every evening, the aromas of roasted almonds and fresh Stollen cake waft through the streets, and the strains of carols can be heard, the Christmas Market has Goethe’s house clearly opened again! Christmas in Weimar Weimar also means: tradition and stories. Weimar Tourist Information offers Journeys to Weimar, tickets for Weimar is an attractive destination in the heart of Germany, visited by more Christmas concerts and much more than three million people a year. The town captivates them all with its very special charm as they stroll along the narrow lanes of the beautifully restored old quarter, amble through the parks with their magnificent palaces and explore Good to know the houses of the poets Goethe and Schiller and the legacy of modernism at the HISTORICAL ANNA AMALIA Weimar Onion Market – The humble Bauhaus sites. Despite its population of just 64,000, Weimar has a diversity of LIBRARY onion is the star of the Onion Market attractions to many larger cities. held in Weimar every October. These One of Germany’s most famous are no ordinary onions lumped to­ gether in crates or sacks; these are Tourist-Information Weimar libraries. The rococo hall with its onions plaited together in the tradi­ Markt 10 / 99423 Weimar / Tel. +49 (0) 3643 7450 historical books and sheet music tional way and decorated with dried www.weimar.de has been restored to its former glory flowers of yellow, white or lilac. They come in all sizes too – from tiny ones after a devastating fire and is open to a whopping big one. to visitors. | 66 Annual events

Altenburg Jena April: farmer’s market July: KulturArena – Open-Air-Festival August: Altenburger music festival Mühlhausen Apolda August: Mühlhäuser town fair July: Fashion night – with famous forty meter catwalk Nordhausen September: Onion Market – local fair June: Roland’s festival – traditional local fair and festival Arnstadt March: Bach-Festival Rudolstadt August: Bach:Summer July: TFF Rudolstadt – one of the big- gest festivals for world music in Europe Eisenach August: Vogelschiessen fair May: Tannhäuser opera in the Festi- val Hall in Wartburg Fortress Saalfeld June: Fairy Festival Erfurt August: 'Detscherfest', culinary festival June: Merchants’ Bridge Festival July: Cathedral Steps Festival Plays Schmalkalden ‹ August: 'Schmalkalder' Hirschessen – Gera historical town festival October: Höhler Festival – Town fes- tival in Gera´s underground labyrinth Sondershausen July: Thuringian Castel Opera Festival Gotha May: Gothardus festival Suhl August: Baroque Festival June: Children’s-Culture-Night September: City-Festival Greiz June: Park and Castle Festival Weimar September: theater autumn October: Onion Market – biggest and oldest local fair Ilmenau August: Kunstfest Weimar April: Ilmenauer Jazz day’s November: TonART – biggest Traditional Christmas Markets in A-cappella festival every city in december 2 | Welcome!

Thuringia is home to an unparalleled of inestimable value. Bach, Brahms, wealth of cultural treasures. The Liszt and Wagner are among those region was once made up of many who wrote some of their works in Imprint different principalities, whose rulers the region and who remain ubiqui­ established royal seats with splendid tous figures to this day. Hearing Published by: their music at the locations where it Verein Städtetourismus in palaces, mighty castles and magnif- Thüringen e. V. icent parks that remain as alluring was originally composed makes for c/o weimar GmbH today as they ever were. an unforgettable experience. Gesellschaft für Wirtschafts- förderung, Kongress- und Thuringia has one of the most Tourismusservice UNESCO-Platz 1 ­UNESCO World Heritage sites of 99423 Weimar Germany. Wartburg Castle, the most Tel. +49 (0) 3643 / 745314 famous landmark in Eisenach, has Fax +49 (0) 3643 / 745333 been shaped by many historic events e-mail: and figures over the centuries. Clas- [email protected] www.thueringer-staedte.de sical Weimar boasts sites associated with the life and ­legacy of Goethe, Design/Layout: Wieland, Herder and Schiller, while Gudman Design, Weimar the Bauhaus sites bear witness to the Printed by: Druckhaus Gera dawn of Modernism. The world-fa- ‹ Photo credits: mous Bauhaus school of design was Babovic, Nestler, Neumann, founded in 1919 by Walter Gropius, Pietschmann, Röttig, Schuck, and from its home in Weimar went Szyszka, Digital Vision, on to shape new developments in Yuri Arcurs/Fotolia.com, T. Sieland, TPT, A. Heinrich, Musical Heritage art, culture and architecture. J. Hauspurg, Zeiss-Planeta- rium, Archives of the mem- The poets Goethe and Schiller bers of the association laid the foundation for a new era here, an era that saw many cities 1st edition 2015 in Thuringia become centres of cul- We accept no responsibility ture. Today, you can visit authentic for the accuracy or com- sites associated with these seminal pleteness of the published figures of German Classicism and information. see their original manuscripts. But Thuringia is not just famous for Cities of the thuringian its literary greats. Musicians and Airport Railway Thuringian border cities association composers have also left a legacy 'Haus am Horn' Weimar Federal highway Motorway Cycle path A-Road We like to www.thuringian-cities.com cultural welcome you townscultural of in our cities! townsthuringia of

thuringia Pocket Guide ‹

www.thuringian-cities.com

Upper and Lower Palace Greiz