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Home , Divi Blasii, Gleichen, Kickelhahn, Rudolstadt

Welcome to . Thuringia is a guarantee of very special hospitality as a traditional holiday area. Set right Welcome at the heart of this state has both – beautiful countryside and cities with a past as exciting as their present. Where else can you find such a wealth of culture in such a small area as here! There are mighty fortresses, castles, monasteries and churches in cities full Contents of history, such as , the state capital, , the city of literary classics and the Bauhaus, , the home of the Wartburg Castle or , the city of the sciences. What is more, there are many UNESCO World Heritage Sites to be found everywhere and visitors meet at every turn with famous personages, like Martin Luther or J. S. Bach, Goethe and Schiller, Liszt and Wagner, Gropius and Feininger. Thuringia’s delightful countryside has been a paradise for both active and relaxing holidays for generations and our renowned, true hospitality will guarantee you an unforgettable stay. You will be enthralled!

Contents Event highlights 14 Thuringia̓s cities and towns 04 Crafts and traditions 16 Famous personalities 08 Hospitable Thuringia 17 Thuringia – a treasure trove right at Castles and palaces 10 Contact and service 18 Nature and activities 12 Map and travel information 19 the centre of Germany.

View02 to and Wachsenburg Castle 03 A chain of fascinating cities like pearls on a string.

Welcome to medieval Erfurt, to Classical Weimar and to Eisenach, the town of , Martin Luther and Wartburg Castle.

Thuringia’s cities breathe more than a thousand years of his- tory. Right up to the present day, they feature medieval for- tresses and fortifi cations, royal palaces, parks, impressive Renaissance, Baroque and Art Nouveau buildings, theatres and orchestras rich in tradition, valuable libraries and art collections. The very stones have a tale to tell in the fascinat- ing and lovingly restored Old Towns, where people love to meet in coff ee houses and the pedestrian shopping areas entice visitors to dawdle awhile. Fish Market, Erfurt More than 1,260 years old, the state capital of ERFURT in- vites visitors to encounter the cast in stone. Meticulously restored houses and churches still bear wit- ness today to the wealth of the once powerful trading and university city, which boasts one of the best preserved listed medieval city centres under protection order in Germany. The impressive ensemble of St. Mary’s Cathedral and St. Severus belongs to the city’s most photographed sights. In In the middle of Erfurt’s Old Town, the 125-metre long the autumn of 2011, Pope Benedict XVI celebrated a large- Krämerbrücke (Merchants’ Bridge) spans the River , scale mass at the cathedral square imposingly framed by supported by seven mighty wooden arches. Completely cov- these two churches. ered by 32 houses, it is the longest of its kind in Europe. German National Theatre, Weimar From the former Petersberg fortress, with its underground maze of passageways that can be visited, the view stretches across Erfurt’s Old Quarter as far as WEIMAR, which owes its fame to both the literary classics and the revolutionary Centuries-old memorials Fascinating UNESCO World Bauhaus movement. Poets, painters, musicians and archi- to Jewish life. Heritage Sites in the fi elds of tects, such as Goethe, Schiller and Cranach, Liszt, Gropius and Nietzsche, chose to live here and made it what it is today Synagogues, historic homes, cemeteries and culture and nature. – namely a centre of German intellectual life. But Weimar mikvehs are among the authentic testimonies to Thuringia boasts sites included in the UNESCO World also stands for the two faces of history – at the heart of the Jewish life in Thuringia. Many of them are today Heritage list in the fi elds of both culture and nature. city is the German National Theatre long directed by Goethe used as museums or serve as meeting-places and The following have received this internationally coveted and founding site of the whereas outside can be visited. Smaller Thuringian towns, such as quality seal: medieval Wartburg Castle near Eisenach, Mühlhausen (synagogue with library), Sonders- the city gates stands Buchenwald Memorial site, the former Weimar Summer – arts, music and culture where Martin Luther translated the New Testament into hausen (mikveh with the foundation walls of concentration camp. German in only 10 weeks; the Bauhaus founded by Wal- the former synagogue), Bleicherode (former ter Gropius in Weimar, with a museum and the model synagogue in the “Alte Kanzlei“) or Heiligenstadt home “Am Horn”; the “Classic Weimar” complex, to Another pearl shining on our string is EISENACH, situated (cemetery), have venues equally as impressive as Thuringia’s capital which homes, castles, parks, a library, a church and a at the foot of the famous Wartburg Castle, a UNESCO World city of Erfurt. After exciting new discoveries were made, there is now cemetery belong, associated with the names of famous Heritage Site. This is where St. Elisabeth, the Hungarian prin- an attractive complex, consisting of the synagogue, mikveh and people like Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Friedrich cess and Thuringian Landgravine (1207-1231) spent most cemetery in close proximity and commemorating the signifi cant Schiller and Gottfried Herder and the Hainich National Jewish presence in medieval Erfurt. In the “Alte Synagoge” museum, of her short life and this is where Martin Luther and Johann Park, an outstanding area where old beech woods have exhibits include a gold and silver treasure; which has already been Sebastian Bach went to school. Contemporarily designed been left in their natural state and with the unique at- exhibited and admired in New York, London and other cities. The authentic venues commemorate the reformer M. Luther and traction of a treetop trail along which visitors can walk absolute star of the treasure is a golden wedding ring almost fi ve and enjoy spectacular views. the composer and organist J. S. Bach but there is also a fas- centimetres in height, one of only three surviving examples of this cinating museum dedicated to the city’s over hundred-year- invaluable item world-wide. old tradition of automobile construction. Luther House, Eisenach

04 www.visit-thuringia.com www.visit-thuringia.com 05 Divi Blasii Church, Town Hall and Medieval town centre Mühlhausen Goethe monument of

Schiller House, Rudolstadt Lindenau Museum,

MEININGEN, from which the famous Thuringian dumplings are oldest Botanical Gardens, the Schiller University and the large said to originate; RUDOLSTADT with the mighty Heidecksburg town church where Luther preached. Real gems are Residential Castle and the Schiller House, picturesquely situated also half-timbered MÜHLHAUSEN with its venues Hidden gems to be discovered. on the River ; the medieval half-timbered town of SCHMAL- commemorating the German Peasants’ War and KALDEN; the playing-card town of ALTENBURG with its castle and its Divi Blasii Church where J. S. Bach once was Altenburg, , Rudolstadt, Jena, Gera, and other towns with museum of playing cards, theatre and collections of European organist; the miners’ town of , a great historical past have exciting sights just waiting to be seen. art in the Lindenau Museum; the university town of ILMENAU also a town of music and formerly a royal with Kickelhahn Hill where Goethe wrote his world-famous poem residence with an impressive castle; “Wanderer’s Night Song”; , the historical weapon town, NORDHAUSEN, the starting point of Where historic fl air and contemporary modernity combine to painter Otto Dix (1891 – 1969), is commemorated in the house of ideal starting point for activities in the and the Harz narrow-gauge railways that form a harmonious whole, where ancient town walls surround his birth, now used as a museum. The historical core of the town home of a unique Museum of manufactured arms. take their passengers up the Brocken many a beautiful park, where museums and other temples of stands on a medieval underground system of passages and Mountain, the highest point in the muses are to be found behind well-kept historical facades, cellars once used to store beer, the “Höhler”. GOTHA fascinates is renowned for its ”Fairy Grottoes” and their multi- the Harz region, and fi nally where castles, palaces, mansions and churches off er unlimited with its magnifi cent Early Baroque Friedenstein Castle and Park, coloured underground fairytale landscape whereas , the with its tradition of photo opportunities, where visitors can stroll gently through housing several museums and the Baroque Ekhof Theatre, the former residence of princes, houses a Summer Palace with valu- knit fashions and bell-man- lanes, markets and squares and stop to rest in small cafés and oldest of its kind in the world. Further jewels include the Bach able works of art and a large collection of caricatures. JENA is the ufacturing, popular with in- restaurants – these are Thuringia’s fascinating and many-facet- town of ARNSTADT with an internationally unique collection of town of the traditional-rich optics industry with numerous mu- ternationally renowned fashion The famous monument of the ed towns. One example is the town of GERA, where the German dolls entitled “Mon plaisir”; the theatre and Schiller town of seums, the world’s oldest ZEISS Planetarium, Germany’s second designers and lovers of fi ne arts. young J. S. Bach in Arnstadt

Meiningen – Theatre and royal residence town. Arts, music and culture create the atmosphere of the more than thousand year-old for- mer royal residence town of Meiningen. Broad avenues and fi ne buildings alternate with ancient narrow alleys and half-timbered houses. The park with its English gardens, numerous fountains and monuments to the cultural history of the town tempts visitors to take a pleasant walk. The Meiningen Theatre has a reputation extending far beyond the borders of Thuringia. Original stage designs in the “Zauberwelt der Kulisse” Theatre Museum provide an impression of the masterly illusio- nist work created by Meiningen artists. View from Jentower to downtown Jena The Meiningen Theatre

06 www.visit-thuringia.com www.visit-thuringia.com 07 Great names and outstanding works.

Encounter the works of Luther, Bach, Goethe, Schiller, Liszt, Wagner and Gropius at authentic venues.

Where else are there so many writing desks of famous men standing as close together as in the cultural state of Thuringia? The encyclopaedias listing great minds would be sadly depleted without all those who found Thuringia a good place to spend their lives or to live and work for a while. In your search for the authentic venues where these men lived, studied, worked and played, you will discover history.

Martin LUTHER went to school in Eisenach from 1498 to 1501 and displayed his skills as a clear-sighted politician in Schmalkalden. He spent his student years in Erfurt, where the old Augustinian Monastery offers fascinat- ing insights into his life: today a historic Luther venue and meeting place, a modern congress centre, hotel and museum. Hunted by the church and outlawed, he found refuge at Wartburg Castle, took on the guise of “Junker Jörg” (Squire George) and translated the New Testament Bauhaus University, Weimar into German – his greatest cultural achievement.

Johann Sebastian BACH, the most famous member of this musical family, spent half of his life in Thuringia. Born in Eisenach, his education, the death of his parents and In Eisenach, the town where Bach was born, the huge community of Bach then his work as a violinist, organist and composer took lovers worldwide can visit the oldest and him all over the state. Bach held his first post as a young largest museum on the great composer and rebellious organist in Arnstadt. Ohrdruf, Weimar, where they can also enjoy a concert Mühlhausen, Erfurt and Dornheim, where he married, are Augustinian Monastery, Erfurt played on historic instruments. further stations in Bach’s life in Thuringia.

Johann Wolfgang von GOETHE came to Thuringia from Frankfurt/Main as a young man. During his time here, he was not only an inspired poet and dramatist but also To discover. much more. As a government minister, librarian, theatre > the architect Walter GROPIUS and the Bauhaus movement in > the mechanic Carl ZEISS, who laid the foundations director and sometime architect, he left his mark mainly Thuringia, which attracted artists like Feininger, Itten, Klee, of the international optics company of the same name, Jena is in Weimar, Jena, Eisenach, Ilmenau, Erfurt, Rudolstadt Kandinsky, Muche and Schlemmer, the towns of Weimar, Jena, the major location. and Gotha. Erfurt and Gera should be on the agenda. > the Expressionist painter Otto DIX, visitors must not miss the Goethe National Museum, Weimar > the composer Franz LISZT, amongst the most important places house where the artist was born in Gera, now a museum and are Eisenach, Erfurt, Weimar, where his original home can still be gallery. visited Meiningen and Sondershausen. > the composer , the Reuter-Wagner villa in > the founder of the fi rst German kindergarten, Friedrich FRÖBEL, Eisenach with the second-largest collection on Wagner after visitors must see Oberweissbach, the town where he was born, and Wartburg Castle where he was inspired to write and the Fröbel Museum in . his opera “Tannhäuser” are obligatory. > the life and work of Lucas CRANACH the Elder (1472 - 1553) in > Henry VAN DE VELDE (1863 – 1957), the major designer and towns like Eisenach, Gotha or Weimar. He is regarded one of the architect who paved the way for the Bauhaus, most infl uential artists of the German Renaissance, was a friend his architectural heritage in Thuringia can be visited, including of Martin Luther and supporter of the . Retrace the in the towns of Weimar, Jena and Gera. path of this painter in important works of art in towns like > The most important stations of the poet and dramatist Eisenach, Gotha or Weimar. in Thuringia include Meiningen and Bauer- bach, Rudolstadt, Jena and Weimar. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe Martin Luther Johann Sebastian Bach and Friedrich Schiller Walter Gropius

08 www.visit-thuringia.com www.visit-thuringia.com 09 Magnifi cent castles, legendary fortresses, beautiful parks.

Thuringia’s castles extend an open invitation – to fascinating tours through history, to museums with unique cultural treasures, to concerts or plays in a very special ambience, and to romantic hotels and restaurants.

More than 450 castles and fortresses tower over Thuringia’s Eichsfeld region – every one a unique building with its own countryside, with origins that can be traced back to the early history. Thuringia’s wealth of such edifi ces also encourages the Middle Ages. organisation of events and so organ, choir and chamber con- certs in castle ballrooms alternate with medieval and knightly Because of its very special history, Wartburg Castle near Eisenach festivals, hearty meals and princely dinners. is seen as one of the most famous of all German castles. It was one of Europe’s most famous centres of the muses and the home And the castles and palaces with their attractive parks are no and place of work of Saint Elisabeth. In the castle, the painter diff erent. Heidecksburg Castle in Rudolstadt was Friedrich Moritz von Schwind commemorated both the competition Schiller’s secret love. Overlooking the town of Rudolstadt, in its between minnesingers, known as the Battle of the Bards, and interior it holds architectural and cultural-historical treasures the history of St. Elisabeth in much-admired frescoes. In 1521, such as the majestic festive hall which is one of the most beau- Martin Luther translated the New Testament from Greek into tiful of the German Rococo period. German in the Luther study, which can still be visited. Contem- porary artists have found Wartburg Castle to be the ideal setting Magnifi cent and mighty buildings, like the Weimar City Palace, for concerts and special events. Elisabethenburg Palace in Meiningen, Altenburg Castle, Wil- helmsburg Castle in Schmalkalden or the Greiz Castles were The Leuchtenburg Castle near Kahla is a fully preserved medi- royal residences and contrast sharply with other more graceful eval castle high above the river Saale valley and surprises its buildings and parks. Usually built as summer homes, the latter visitors with an internationally unique display of porcelain, pre- provided romantic rooms for relaxation and recreation. They senting both familiar and quite unknown facets. The legendary include the Dornburg Palaces up above the vineyards near Jena ensemble of fortresses called “” between Erfurt and greatly favoured by Goethe, the Molsdorf Rococo Palace and Arnstadt ; Gotha with its Friedenstein Castle ; the strong- near Erfurt with its English-style park, and moated Kochberg UNESCO World Heritage hold on Kyff häuser hill with the imposing monument – one of Castle near Rudolstadt. Wartburg Castle, Eisenach the largest medieval castles in Germany – or the ruined fortress of Hanstein with high Gothic castle ruins in the picturesque

Friedenstein Castle, The Baroque Universe in Gotha – Gotha Friedenstein Castle.

Japanese Garden in Gotha is famous for its historic connections to international Leuchtenburg Castle Dornburg Palaces nobility, the fi rst insurance company in Germany and the so called “Baroque Universe”. The Baroque Universe means Friedenstein Castle, which was built from 1643 onwards and is the largest early Baroque castle complex in Germany. Together with its castle park Fascination parks and gardens. described by Goethe as “divine”, an imposing ensemble has sur- Historic gardens and parks, private gardens and green city spaces: and from the Arctic regions. In the spa town of Bad Langensalza, vived almost without alterations. Past centuries come to life in a Many highlights of garden art can be viewed and enjoyed in a pretty Rose Garden with a rose museum recalls the tradition of way possible only in few other castles or museums. The Ekhof The- Thuringia. On the former Cyriaksburg fortress site in Erfurt, the rose-growing that has fl ourished here for more than a century now. atre, which is the oldest surviving Baroque theatre worldwide and egapark has been enchanting young and old alike for some 50 From this garden of 11,000 roses it is only a short distance to the used regularly during the summer months, the Castle Church where years now. One of its main attractions is the largest fl owerbed tranquil Japanese Garden. Altenstein Castle near Bad Liebenstein concerts are also held and the unique collections of art, nature and with ornamental plants in Europe. Not far from Oberhof are the features a 160-hectare countryside park, dating from the end of history are on display in magnifi cent historic rooms (ranging from Gardens, about seven hectares in size, with about the 18th century. It is one of the most signifi cant garden works of ancient Egypt to East Asian art from the 20th century) make this 4,000 types of plants i.e. from the mountains of Europe and Asia art throughout Germany. former royal residence become a true Universe.

10 www.visit-thuringia.com www.visit-thuringia.com 11 Saalfeld Fairy Grottoes Saale Horizontale Trail near Jena

Embedded in a rich cultural landscape, the UNESCO World Heritage Hainich National Park has far more to off er than just jungle-type forest and rare animal species. Visitors can enjoy cycle and Reservoir near Saalfeld hiking trails, adventure playgrounds, a barrier-free treetop trail and exhibitions at any time of the year.

A paradise for active holidaymakers. Hiking, cycling, winter sports and wellness where world champions and Olympic medallists are at home. Winter sports in the Hikers enjoy magnifi cent views of the Thuringian Forest Thuringian Forest No visitors have ever failed to enthuse about Thuringia’s coun- Thuringia’s plains and hills, such as the cycle trail “Thuringian tryside – the almost 1,000-metre heights of the virtually end- town chain”, covering a route of about 225 kilometres and pass- less Thuringian Forest, the many-faceted Schiefergebirge (Slate ing many of the picturesque towns. On the fjord-type reservoirs Mountains), the legendary Kyff häuser hills which Emperor Bar- that begin near Saalfeld, known as the “Thuringian Sea”, trips Hiking, biking and lodging of premium quality. barossa helped to win fame, the Harz Mountains or the Rhoen, can be enjoyed on passenger ships. The beautiful valleys of the land of open spaces, numerous lakes and dams. In the Hainich rivers Saale, Werra, Unstrut, , Gera or can also be A total of 16,000 kilometres of well-marked hiking trails and tant Reformation venues. “From Bach to Goethe” is the name of a National Park which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, visitors explored by bike, on foot or in boats. Caves and grottoes entice some 1,700 kilometres of cycle routes run through Thuringia’s trail running through beautiful countryside between Arnstadt and can experience largely unspoilt nature. Spreading in the town visitors into a fairytale world. The Saalfeld Fairy Grottoes – the most beautiful and diverse areas. More than 20 hiking trails Ilmenau, marked with a clef and a quill. To see Goethe’s favourite have already been awarded one of the quality seals coveted spots and the places where he worked, you can walk the “Goethe triangle of Eisenach-Mühlhausen-Bad Langensalza, the Hainich “most colourful show grottoes in the world”, the Sondershausen throughout Germany. A unique experience is following routes Hiking Trail” between Ilmenau and Stützerbach. Along these and National Park has been awarded this protection status because and Merkers adventure mines and the mythical Barbarossa’s once walked by famous people like Martin Luther, Johann Se- other trails, overnight accommodation is off ered by more than 70 of its large number of primal beech woods. The region can be Cave are among the most popular ones. bastian Bach and Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. The Pilgrimage quality hosts which have been awarded certifi cates to specialise viewed beautifully from a 24-metre high treetop trail about 500 Trail, marked with a capital “L”, covers about 900 kilometres in in rooms for hikers. 140 bed&bike hotels provide special accom- metres long or, alternatively, visitors can hike round the World But an active holiday in Thuringia can also mean climbing, rid- Thuringia and links Martin Luther’s places of works and impor- modation for cyclists. Heritage Site and its attractions on the lovely 130-kilometre ing, golf, mountain biking, swimming, canoeing, ice-skating or “Hainichland Trail”. all types of ski sports, for example in the tradition-rich winter sports centre of Oberhof with its ski jumps, ski arena and – its Another paradise for hikers is the “Rennsteig Trail” that fol- latest attraction – the fi rst indoor ski centre in Central Europe The Green Ribbon Experience. lows the heights of the Thuringian Forest for 168 kilometres in off ering winter sports all the year round. And who knows, you Thuringia has the longest section of the former border between East and West Germany, length. It runs between Eisenach and Blankenstein through may just run into one of the world champions or Olympic medal- running for a length of 763 kilometres. Several border posts have been restored and today almost endless forests, with vantage points that repeatedly give lists who train in Oberhof, for example. Of course, there is also provide essential information in their museums and exhibitions. magnifi cent views of valleys, towns and villages. Thuringia also health and relaxation for body and soul awaiting Thuringia’s One of the “hottest spots” in the Cold War was “Point Alpha”. The “Green Ribbon Experi- has many attractive, high-quality cycling tracks to meet all the guests. The state’s spas are fully oriented to those seeking rest ence” is the name of a natural landscape along the former border between East and West. diff erent demands. Cyclists can enjoy tours along the rivers Ilm, and repose and off er excellent wellness hotels, unique thermal A total of 15 adventure routes have been developed for the discovery on foot or by bicycle. Werra or Saale with little or medium diffi culty, or, for the ambi- baths and adventure pools. Traditional Kneipp treatments or Trained nature and country guides off er special tours whereas anyone preferring to travel by themselves can use their mobile phone or MP3 player as a mobile travel guide. tious, along the Rennsteig cycle route through the Thuringian inviting wellness package deals off er exactly what health and Bicycling adventure routes Forest. Less strenuous are the well-made cycle paths through relaxation seekers are looking for.

12 www.visit-thuringia.com www.visit-thuringia.com 13 The year in Thuringia.

Without a summer break or winter rest – the year in Thuringia features highlights in culture, sports and nature.

There is always something happening in Thuringia. Many of these The small theatre at Friedenstein Castle in Gotha is named after events in art, literature, theatre, music, sport and nature are linked Konrad Ekhof, an early sponsor of German acting, and is the oldest of to great traditions and associated to famous people, such as Martin its kind with fully preserved Baroque stage fi ttings. The productions Luther and Johann Sebastian Bach, Franz Liszt and Richard Wagner, during the renowned “Ekhof Festival” take pride in making use of to name only a few. But over the course of time, completely new this historic heritage. events for visitors to admire, join in or enjoy have developed too – For a weekend in July, the little town of Rudolstadt becomes Ger- in every season, as shown by the annual list of event highlights. many’s centre of folk and international music. With music and danc- ing in the squares and on the streets and happy encounters between JANUARY: At the Biathlon World Cup in Oberhof, top athletes from people from all over the world, the “International Dance and Folk 35 diff erent countries shoot with rifl es – lying down and standing Festival” with international performers fi lls the town to bursting – and fi nish the last metres of the course on skis with their coun- point. try’s fl ag in their hand, enthusiastically cheered on by thousands St. Mary’s Cathedral, neighbouring St. Severi Church and the 70 ma- of spectators. Only a few minutes away from this spectacular jestic steps leading up to them both form the unique backdrop to all arena, the world’s best racing luge athletes fi ght for victory on the the productions seen by visitors to the Erfurt “Cathedral Steps Festi- 1,354-metre long artifi cial ice channel that snakes down into the val” in July. With the performances presented by actors, singers and valley. orchestra on the open-air opera stage in this spectacular setting, the MARCH - APRIL: The approach of summer is celebrated with a huge Festival evenings cannot fail to be a fantastic experience. festive parade in Eisenach. The climax of Germany’s largest spring Today it is diffi cult to imagine a summer in Thuringia without the festival is the battle of words between Ms. Sunna and Mr. Winter – “Kulturarena Jena”. In July and August, the square outside the thea- which the icy man, of course, always loses. tre is turned into an arena for spectacular concerts, fascinating plays This is December in Erfurt, Thuringia, the land of the Around the time of J. S. Bach’s birthday, the music of this great and fi lms seldom shown. much-praised Christmas markets and traditions. Across Baroque master is heard for several weeks like a tapestry of sound decorated Old Town squares drifts the fragrance of sweet OCTOBER: Small but attractive wine fests, traditional rural village everywhere in Thuringia, which has more authentic Bach venues cake, baked apples and mulled wine, huge fi r trees festivals and markets with freshly harvested products are an es- spangle with light, wooden pyramids as tall as houses than any other state. The “Thuringia Bach Weeks” are the largest sential part of autumn in Thuringia. But since 1653, the highlight has gently revolve and festive music resounds from church festival of classical music in Thuringia. towers and town hall balconies. been the “Onion Market in Weimar”. In the town – which is also peo- JUNE - SEPTEMBER: During a weekend in June, the lanes, squares pled by live musicians and street performers – for one weekend, you and streets of Erfurt’s Old Quarter merge into one single stage. As will fi nd, almost nothing without onions and garlic, whether baked, the largest Old Town festival in Thuringia, the “Krämerbrücken- boiled or plaited into a decorative string for the kitchen. fest“ – Merchants’ Bridge Festival – takes visitors back to medieval town activities and night life with music, dancing, theatre, food and Luther Cell at drink. Wartburg Castle, The Luther Decade in Thuringia, the heartland of the Reformation. With the special fl air of this shimmering season, the “Weimar Sum- Eisenach In 2017, millions of Christians will be celebrating the 500th anniversary of the Reformation. In preparation mer” unites everything for which this cultural jewel on the River Ilm for this event, a Luther Decade has been instigated, with numerous exhibitions, concerts, theatre perfor- has long been famous – art, music, history, Bauhaus, architecture, mances, readings and other events. In the towns and villages of Thuringia, the heartland of the Reforma- literature, fi lm and boulevard comedy. tion, fortresses, castles, monasteries, churches and homes commemorate the Reformation at authentic With concerts from classical to jazz performed by top soloists and locations and in museums and show its eff ects up to the present day. A special Luther hiking trail leads prestigious large orchestras, the “MDR Music Summer” visits Thur- past authentic venues like the following: the idyllically situated village of MOEHRA in the Rhoen region is ingia’s loveliest venues between June and September. This musical considered to be the original home of Martin Luther’s family, commemorated by a church and a memorial marathon includes fortresses, castles, parks, churches and mon- Kulturarena in Jena outside it. In ERFURT some of the most signifi cant roots of Martin Luther’s theology can be traced. Lu- asteries. ther’s entry into a monastery, inspired by a thunderstorm nearby, marks the start of the most momentous change in church history. The Augustinian monastery, St. Mary’s Cathedral, the old university and the “Georgenburse” student residence are also witnesses cast in stone to these important events. “No other town knows me better” is how Luther remembered EISENACH, where he spent his schooldays and later years and Wartburg Castle, where he translated the New Testament of the Bible. During the Reformation period, the enchanting half-timbered town of SCHMALKALDEN was at the focus of European politics. Lu- ther prepared religious doctrines for a meeting of the Schmalkaldic Alliance, held partly in today’s Town Hall. Not far from ALTENSTEIN Castle and Park is the part of the forest known as LUTHERGRUND, where Lu- ther’s kidnapping was staged for political purposes in 1521, after which he was taken to Wartburg Castle for refuge. Visitors can also follow in Luther’s footsteps in ALTENBURG, WEIMAR, JENA and GOTHA. International Dance and Folk Concert at Wartburg Castle, Eisenach Festival in Rudolstadt Onion Market in Weimar

14 www.visit-thuringia.com www.visit-thuringia.com 15 So very tempting – Thuringian hospitality.

Delicious regional specialities and genuine hospitality.

During their journey of exploration through the treasure trove Handmade glass Christmas tree decorations of Thuringia, visitors will be escorted by a tempting companion, namely Thuringia’s hospitality which has been proverbial for generations. There are, of course, gourmet venues to be found everywhere in the region. But Thuringian hospitality is primarily refl ected in the equally high-standard typical regional cooking. Thuringia is for example a state with a powerful guild of beer- brewers and is proud to possess the oldest certifi cate for brew- ing to German purity standards. The list of products popular with local gourmets is lengthy – sausage in best home-made Porcelain manufactory ZEISS Planetarium in Jena style; tasty cheese; game from well-tended woodland reserves; the mentioned traditionally strong beers and fl avoursome herb schnapps, excellent wines from one of Germany’s smallest wine-growing areas, amazing chocolate creations or traditional cakes based on grandma’s recipes. The festive season for in- Past meets present. stance wouldn’t be complete without a rich slice of Christmas “Stollen” – raisin and currant-studded cake, crammed with Inspired by a great and diverse tradition – today’s Thuringian crafts and design. candied fruit and often a thick, sweet slice of marzipan running through the middle. The undisputed favourites in the Thuringian cuisine are the dumplings served with many diff erent types of Inviting restaurants serving regional specialities The Thuringians’ creativity and outstanding craftsmanship such as the Gräfenroda garden gnome or the porcelain manu- roast meat and called “Hütes” is some areas. There are numer- have been renowned for centuries. Skills are passed on from factory in Kahla – visitors can watch people at work. The Thur- ous diff erent recipes for them but common to all is the consis- one generation to the next and supplemented by new features ingian Porcelain Route links towns like Rudolstadt, , tence of two-thirds raw grated potatoes over which is poured to meet the spirit of the times. Whether glass blowers, potters, Kahla and Blankenhain. There are both old and new manufac- one-third mashed potatoes. This mixture is then stirred and the porcelain manufacturers, doll makers, fabric weavers or optics tories with show workshops selling porcelain fi gures or muse- dumplings shaped by hand. specialists – they have all left a remarkable heritage. ums and exhibitions. And of course contemporary and useful After being simmered souvenirs of Thuringian crafts can be taken home, including in hot salted water for The oldest planetarium in the world still in operation in Jena, stylish knit dresses, everyday porcelain modelled on Bauhaus about 20 minutes, they the pottery town of Bürgel or the glass blower town of designs and hand-made Christmas decorations. literally melt in your are all good examples. At some of today’s manufactories – mouth.

The Erfurt Stollen is one of Thuringian potato dumplings the oldest of its kind in Germany Unique far and wide – the Oberweissbach mountain railway and other historic railways in Thuringia. Grilled sausages – strictly confi dential! Whether summer or winter, the beautiful landscapes of Thuringia can be enjoyed during a ride on an historic railway. Visitors should not miss the view from the window for one second If they have a museum dedicated exclusively to them, like in the Thur- during their ride in a railway carriage pulled by a thick steel cable on the almost 100-year old ingian village of Holzhausen, they must be something very special – Oberweissbach Mountain Railway. Metre by metre, there is something diff erent to see in the the Thuringian grilled sausages that sizzle on charcoal barbecues incredibly beautiful panorama of Thuringia’s walkers’ paradise and its many attractions. A until they are brown all over and are then traditionally served in a bun. trip on this “sliding viewing platform” between the valley and the mountain station takes 18 Of course, no butcher will disclose his exact recipe – what meat and minutes. This Technical Monument that is unique world-wide travels 1.6 metres per second which spices and how much of each he mixes together before fi lling on the 25 per cent climb. Another pure delight is a ride on the Harz narrow gauge railway. The the mixture into its natural gut casing. steam trains start in Nordhausen and run on Europe’s longest historical rail network, which is Thuringian butchers have been jealously guarding this secret ever since over 130 kilometres long, towards the legendary Brocken Mountain. The town of Meiningen the sausages have been made – which is for over 600 years according is home to steam locomotive works. Unique in Germany, historic iron horses are serviced and to records. And because these inimitable original Thuringian sausages repaired here. During the Christmas period, historical trains run on special occasions to the are legally protected throughout Europe, this will not change now. No Oberweissbach Mountain beautiful Christmas markets i.e. in Erfurt, Eisenach or Meiningen. matter, as long as the sausages do not change either! Railway in winter Thuringian grilled sausages

16 www.visit-thuringia.com www.visit-thuringia.com 17 Vadsz

Tromsø

Bodø

Easy and convenient to get to – the holiday destination of Thuringia.

A look at a map will show you – Thuringia has such a central position in Dublin Hamburg Germany and Europe that it is easy to reach, whether by plane, fast train Amsterdam London Berlin or car, and wherever you are coming from. Thuringia Dresden Brussels Cologne Prague Frankfurt Paris Saxony-Anhalt Munich Vienna 4 Bern 243 Nordhausen

80 Berlin

247 Sondershausen 320 km 38 85 80 86 Barcelona Rome Contact and Service. Madrid 4 Mühlhausen Tourist Information Thuringia. Whether by telephone, online or in person – we are always at your service! 84 86

249 Sömmerda 176 Catanzaro Frankfurt/M Bad Langensalza Palermo Vallelta 85 MALTA 265 km 71 Leipzig 143 km Book now. Düsseldorf 401 km Altenburg Get information now. 247 Erfurt Weimar Eisenach 85 88 +49 (0) 361 37420 Gotha 87 Jena 7 Monday to Friday 9 a.m. – 7 p.m., 7 Gera R 4 7 Email us, call us or pay a visit during your stay in en n s Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. te 88 i 4 Thuringia. We are located opposite the Central g 4 Arnstadt 9 Railway Station in Erfurt. Our friendly staff off er you Postal address: Thuringia Tourist Board 62 88 Dresden 85 87 85 comprehensive and professional service for your Postfach 90 04 07 Schmalkalden Rudolstadt 224 km 285 Ilmenau 281 92 Greiz holiday in Thuringia: 99107 Erfurt, Germany Saalfeld 19 4 Fax +49 (0) 361 374 2388 Suhl Meiningen > detailed information and advice 280 2 [email protected] 247 90 > Thuringian brochures and catalogues 71 89 > direct booking of accommodation and programmes 73 Hesse 281 > ThüringenCard to save money Saxony Thuringia online 89 > event tips, tickets for cultural and sports events Stuttgart www.thuringia-tourism.com 419 km > travel literature, maps, souvenirs and lots more Munich 415 km

Bavaria Travelling “barrier-free” in Thuringia. Travel information: Visitors with disabilities or travellers with restricted mobility can obtain detailed information from the Tourist Information Thuringia or on by car/bus by train by air the internet at barrier-free-travel.visit-thuringia.com. Attractions and leisure programmes are marked with the appropriate symbols and > Autobahn A4 > ICE train Hamburg – Berlin – Leipzig – Jena – Erfurt-Weimar Airport: described in detail. East-West link: Dresden – Frankfurt am Main Munich > direct motorway link to > Autobahn A9 > ICE train Wiesbaden – – Frankfurt/ Autobahn A4 and A71 North-South link: Berlin – Munich Airport – Frankfurt am Main Süd www.fl ughafen-erfurt-weimar.de > Autobahn A 38 or East-West link: Frankfurt am Main main station – Eisenach ThüringenCard: free time – free admission. Göttingen – Halle/Leipzig – Gotha – Erfurt – Leipzig – Dresden, every > Autobahn A71 hour (stop in Gotha every 2 hours) Enjoy your time in Thuringia – and free admission to more than 240 destinations South-North link: Würzburg/Schweinfurt – > ICE or IC train Berlin – Halle – Jena – Munich Validity Price for Adults Price for Children and attractions with the ThüringenCard! They include castles, palaces and muse- Sömmerda > ICE Hamburg – Berlin – Leipzig – Jena ums, city sightseeing tours, thermal baths, show mines, zoos and lots more. > Autobahn A73 www.bahn.de 24 hours* 16 € 11 € South-North link: Nürnberg - Suhl 3 in 365** 36 € 23 € The ThüringenCard is available in 3 diff erent versions, Imprint Publisher: Thuringia Tourist Board, Erfurt (R. Schübel); E. Driesel | foto-ed; J. Hauspurg; weimar GmbH (M. Print: Druckhaus Gera GmbH depending on what your schedule permits. The 24- 6 in 365** 56 € 34 € Design and production: KNSK Werbeagentur, Hamburg Schuck); Wikipedia.com, Martin Luther by Lucas Cranach the Editorial Deadline: September 2012 Title photo: Archive Thuringia Tourist Board (M. Schuck) + Elder, Walter Gropius by Louis Held; G. Werner; Wartburg Stiftung Production of the brochure was subsidised by the Thuringian hour card is valid for 24 hours following its fi rst use. Caro Fotoagentur (A. Muhs) Eisenach; Museum Leuchtenburg; Stadt Bad Langensalza, Kur- Ministry for Business, Employment and Technology. und Immobilienverwaltung GmbH (H.-P. Szyska); M. Schuck; Natio- The cards “3 in 365” and “6 in 365” are valid on 3 or, * Valid for the 24 hours following fi rst use Further photos: Archive Thuringia Tourist Board; Stadtmarketing nalpark Hainich Verwaltung (T. Stephan); Saalfelder Feengrotten Arnstadt GmbH (U. Oschmann); T. Babovic; Alte Synagoge Erfurt und Tourismus GmbH; Tourismusverband Rennsteig-Saaleland respectively, 6 freely selectable days between 1st * Valid on 3 or, respectively, 6 freely selectable days between 1st Jan (Papenfuss | Atelier für Gestaltung); Bildagentur Huber (R. Schmid); and 31st Dec; Please note: following fi rst use in each case, the day e. V.; B. Neumann; Jena Kultur (A. Hub); Älteste Volkstedter Por- J. Negwer; A. Weise | factum; Kunstfest Weimar GmbH (M.Schuck); zellanmanufaktur Rudolstadt; Krebs Glas Lauscha GmbH; Zeiss January and 31st December in each case. lasts until midnight Eisenach-Wartburgregion Touristik GmbH (A. Nestler); Tourist Planetarium Jena; DB Regio Netz GmbH Oberweißbacher Berg- und Information Schmalkalden (W. Benkert); Thüringer Tourismusver- Schwarzatalbahn; A. Liebich; V. Hilscher Please note: All the information has been researched with the gre- band Jena-Saale-Holzland e. V. (Frits Meyest | Adventur 4 ever); atest possible care and is based on data supplied by the Thuringi- Wirtschaftsbetriebe Mühlhausen GmbH (T. Sieland); Schillerhaus Text: Heinz Stade, Erfurt; Thuringia Tourist Board an service providers. However, the publisher assumes no liability Rudolstadt; Altenburger Tourismus GmbH, Lindenau-Museum Translation: Übersetzungsdienst Macklin, Leipzig for the information provided.

18 www.visit-thuringia.com www.visit-thuringia.com 19 +49 (0) 361 37420 Free time. Free admission. ThüringenCard. Pay once and discover more than 240 places of interest.

Visit the places associated with great names like Goethe, Schiller Validity Price for Adults Price for Children or Bach, treasures behind the mighty walls of innumerable fortresses (5 to 14 years)*** and castles or fascinating underground worlds. Join informative 24 hours* 16 € 11 € walking tours through attractive historic towns and relax in green 3 in 365** 36 € 23 € oases and blue water. 6 in 365** 56 € 34 € Enjoy your time in Thuringia and free admission to more than

240 destinations and attractions. * valid for 24 hours following fi rst use; ** valid on 3 or 6 freely selectable days between 1 Jan. and 31 Dec.; please note: a day is from fi rst use until 12 midnight (not 3 or 6 x 24 hrs!); *** 5–14 years of age in association with an adult card, children under 5 free of charge!