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Destinations > Germany > Thuringia

Traveling in Thuringia

Thuringia, the green heart of Germany, is a region that has something to offer every traveler – whether nature lovers, culture vultures or gourmets.

The Free State of Thuringia is a federal state of the Federal Republic of Germany. The state capital and largest city is Erfurt. The state is located in the heart of Germany and is therefore easy to reach by train, car or plane. Whether you are traveling from the east coast of the USA to Germany or within Europe, Thuringia’s central location makes it an ideal starting point for further travel.

Thuringia combines nature, history, culture and cuisine in a way that few regions can offer. For someone who enjoys hiking, museums, good food and wine, Thuringia is an ideal destination.

Thuringia is a true Mecca for culture lovers. Cities such as Weimar, the home of Goethe and Schiller, or Eisenach with its world-famous Wartburg Castle, where Martin Luther once translated the New Testament, are highlights steeped in history. The museums, castles and historic old towns invite you to immerse yourself in German history.

The region is a true Eldorado for hiking enthusiasts. The famous Rennsteig, one of the oldest and best-known high-altitude hiking trails in Germany, leads through dense forests, picturesque valleys and over gentle hills. Nature lovers will also find the Hainich National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where a walk along the treetop path offers unforgettable views.

Curious fact: several places in the northwest of the federal state claim to be the exact center of Germany.

The region is not only known for its famous Thuringian bratwurst, but also for its hearty dishes such as dumplings and game dishes. But that’s not all – wine lovers will also find an up-and-coming wine culture here. The wines from the neighboring Saale-Unstrut region are particularly worth a detour.

Discover travel destinations in Thuringia

We present here our previously visited places in Thuringia.

Eisenach – die Wartburgstadt
Eisenach - the Wartburg City

Eisenach is one of the oldest cities in Thuringia and is known worldwide. Eisenach is located in the geographical center of Germany and is therefore easy to reach. The town is an ideal starting point for exploring the Thuringia region. It is home to Wartburg Castle, one of the most famous castles in Germany.

Eisenach - the Wartburg City   →
Erfurt Krämerbrücke
Erfurt

Erfurt is the state capital of Thuringia and is one of the most popular city break destinations in the region. With its history, architecture, culture, the many sights in Erfurt and culinary delights, the city has everything you need for an unforgettable vacation.

Erfurt   →
Saaletal
Holiday in the Saale Valley

The Middle Saale Valley, often affectionately referred to as “Thuringian Tuscany”, attracts visitors with a unique blend of austere romance, cultural history and diverse natural experiences.

Holiday in the Saale Valley   →
Thüringer Wald
Vacation in the Thuringian Forest

If you're looking for an active vacation that invigorates the senses while immersing yourself deeply in German culture, head to the Thuringian Forest.

Vacation in the Thuringian Forest   →
Baumkronenpfad im Hainich
Holiday in the Wartburg Hainich World Heritage Region

The Wartburg Hainich World Heritage Region is located in the very centre of Germany. Nestled between the Unstrut and Werra valleys is one of the most beautiful regions in Thuringia.

Holiday in the Wartburg Hainich World ...   →
Weimar - Rathaus
Weimar - between Bauhaus and Weimar Classicism

Weimar is a must-see for any traveler following the paths of history, art and literature. The small town is idyllically located in Thuringia and is a treasure trove of Germany's intellectual and cultural heritage.

Weimar - between Bauhaus and Weimar ...   →

All our experiences in Thuringia

Mahnmal Buchenwald

Buchenwald memorial on the Ettersberg near Weimar

The Buchenwald memorial near Weimar is visible far beyond the region and hopefully unforgettable. For us, it was a place that left a deep impression on us and made us very thoughtful. For us, it is a place that should not just be visited quickly, but should be consciously perceived.

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Books, books in the Duchess Anna Amalia Library

Old books and libraries have an almost magical attraction for us. In Weimar there is a library that you simply have to see. The Duchess Anna Amalia Library is certainly one of the most beautiful libraries in Germany.

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Schwarzbier aus Weimar

Weimar Brewery Deinhardt – Felsenkeller

We arrive a little outside the old town at a large building with a modern entrance. This is where the traditional Deinhardt brewery is located. Good beer and good food at the Weimar Felsenkeller.

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Schloss Belvedere Weimar

Belvedere pleasure palace in Weimar – a visit to the palace

Not far from Weimar is Belvedere Palace, built for Duke Ernst August I, with its beautiful park and orangery with its many exotic plants.

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Arnstädter Bier

The Arnstadt City Brewery – A Journey through History, Taste and Culture

You can feel it immediately when you pass the door of the Arnstadt city brewery: It’s not just the history that clings to the old brick walls of this landmark building. It’s the living tradition that resonates in the air, a homage to the age-old craft of brewing beer that manifests itself in every sip of their unique beer.

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Gartenzwerge aus Thüringen - Rohlinge Pittiplatsch

Garden gnomes are intangible UNESCO heritage?

The garden gnome is on the UNESCO list, who would have thought it. Yet this figure divides garden owners to this day. Some hate the little men and can’t imagine anything worse in their garden. Others love the gnome and can’t get enough of it.

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Heimat Hafen Bier in Erfurt

Erfurter Brewery Heimathafen

Looking for craft beer from Erfurt? No problem! The small Erfurt brewery Heimathafen, which produces excellent beer, is located in the train harbor Kulturbahnhof.

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Bauhaus in Weimar

Bauhaus in Weimar

The Bauhaus is a world-renowned movement that has had, and continues to have, a profound influence on art, architecture and design. Its roots are in Weimar, a city considered the cradle of this “revolutionary” movement.

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Bachhaus Eisenach

Bachhaus Eisenach – all about the life of Johann Sebastian Bach

One of the greatest German composers, Johann Sebastian Bach, was born in Eisenach. The Bachhaus Eisenach is dedicated to the life and works of Bach, an unforgettable visit between tradition and modernity awaits the visitor.

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Weimar: Goethe Nationalmuseum / Klassik Stiftung Weimar/ Foto: Alexander Burzik

Where Goethe once lived – Goethe’s home in Weimar

Weimar has always captivated people. So it is not surprising that Goethe felt at home here. One of the most famous Germans died in Goethe’s home on the Frauenplan in 1832.

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Eulenspiegel in Erfurt

How Till Eulenspiegel came to Erfurt…

Everywhere in Germany we encounter the stories of Eulenspiegel. In Erfurt, too, the jester came by and left his mark.

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wartburg Thüringer Wald

Wartburg – where Martin Luther translated the Bible

High above Eisenach on a mountain range of the Thuringian Forest lies the Wartburg at an altitude of over 200 meters. It is one of the most visited places in Thuringia and offers not only castle and history lovers an unforgettable visit. The view over the region is simply indescribable!

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Visit of the falconry on the Rennsteig

He comes flying towards me and at this moment I think about whether it was the right decision to make myself available as a “guinea pig”. My arm trembles a bit as the huge bird lands on it….

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Jüdisches Erbe in Erfurt - Bild Synagoge

Jewish heritage in Erfurt

It glitters and flashes in the basement of the Old Synagogue in Erfurt. Here lies the famous Erfurt treasure, consisting of silver and Gothic goldsmith’s pieces that once belonged to the city’s Jewish population.

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Lutherhaus in Eisenach

Martin Luther in Eisenach

Anyone who comes to Eisenach will deal with Martin Luther here at the latest. In the old town stands the Luther House, where a cultural history museum today recalls Luther’s life.

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Restaurants in Erfurt

Erfurt restaurants

Erfurt’s cuisine offers something for every taste. We have visited a wide variety of restaurants in Erfurt and were always delighted with what was on offer.

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Ernten der Brunnenkresse

Watercress from Erfurt

In the past, everyone knew Erfurt watercress. Today there is only one professional watercress grower left in the former watercress capital of Germany. But the plant is still popular today.

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KiKa characters in Erfurt

Sandman, dear Sandman

Picture this: You walk through a town, not expecting anything unusual. But then suddenly you see him – your favourite cartoon character from your childhood. The one that sent you to bed every night. The one that, in my days, existed twice: One for East Germany and one for West Germany. The Sandman. I am in Erfurt and in the middle of the town centre there he is: the Sandman, on a bench, looking at me. No, I don’t want to go to bed, it is 1 o’clock in the afternoon. But if he is not here to send me to bed, what on earth is he doing in Erfurt?

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How we smash porcelain at Leuchtenburg

In Thuringia, not far from the city of Jena, high above the small town Kahla stands the Castle Leuchtenburg. We didn’t exactly luck out wåith the weather but low hanging clouds can sometimes look quite atmospheric in pictures.

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Erfurt

Things to see in Erfurt

I was out and about in Erfurt for almost three days. I explored wonderful and fascinating places in the state capital of Thuringia. I highly recommend a city tour. Here are some places in Erfurt that I would like to highlight.

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Making chocolate lollipops

A first for me: Making a chocolate lollipop at Viba in Erfurt

I admit I am a chocolate lover. I believe there are hardly any chocolate flavours that I don’t like. Add marzipan or nougat into the mix and I will have a hard time saying no. This leaves no doubt whatsoever that going to confectionary café Viba in Erfurt was exactly the right activity for both my soul and my tastebuds. And I also got to make chocolate lollipops myself.

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egapark erfurt big park with gardens and an amusement park

Tuesday morning at egapark Erfurt

The egapark, a big park with gardens and an amusement park, is located in the south-west of Erfurt. It takes about 12 minutes on the tram to get here from the Old Town. On a sunny Tuesday morning, I headed over there to explore the area.

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World Heritage region Wartburg-Hainich

Between action, relaxation and culture – out and about in the World Heritage region Wartburg-Hainich

The World Heritage region Wartburg-Hainich in Thuringia – I was on tour to discover the region and was amazed by its variety. It has something for everyone’s ideal holiday.

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middle of Germany

Where is the middle of Germany?

To be honest, that is a question I never had until I visited the World Heritage region Wartburg-Hainich. I had heard of places like the Greenwich meridian or of traditions that come with crossing the equator or the arctic circle. Do they do something like that in the middle of Germany, too?

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Baumkronenpfad im Hainich

High above the trees – out and about on the canopy path in the National Park Hainich

I have always wanted to see a canopy path. Fortunately, I had the chance to experience one as part of a PR trip to the world heritage region Wartburg-Hainich.

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