Thuringia

About Thuringia

Thuringia is Germany's centermost federal state, a compact landscape of forested hills, medieval old towns, and outsized cultural history. Erfurt, the capital, retains one of Germany's best-preserved medieval city centers, anchored by the Krämerbrücke bridge lined with shops. Weimar, a short train ride away, was the intellectual heart of German Classicism, home to Goethe and Schiller, and later the founding city of the Bauhaus design movement. Eisenach's Wartburg Castle, where Martin Luther translated the New Testament into German, has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999. The Thuringian Forest (Thüringer Wald) offers extensive hiking and, in winter, cross-country skiing around Oberhof, while Jena blends historic optics industry heritage (Zeiss) with a lively university-town atmosphere. The state also carries heavier history at the Buchenwald Memorial near Weimar, a former Nazi concentration camp preserved as a site of remembrance.

Capital

Erfurt

Largest city

Erfurt

Population

2.1 million

Languages

German, Thuringian dialect

Currency

Euro

Time zone

Europe/Berlin (UTC+1, UTC+2 in summer)

Explore Thuringia by topic

Jump straight to the experience you're planning.

• Attractions
• Hotels
• Restaurants
• Budget
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• Safety
• Culture
• Weather
• Nightlife
• Shopping
• Beaches
• Hiking
• History
• Photography
• Food Tours
• Day Trips
• Family
• Luxury
• Adventure
• Wellness

Best places to visit in Thuringia

The 24 destinations our editors recommend — from iconic landmarks to under-the-radar finds.

Wartburg Castle

Erfurt Cathedral (Erfurter Dom)

Krämerbrücke

Goethe House and National Museum

Bauhaus Museum Weimar

Duchess Anna Amalia Library

Recommended itineraries

Pick a length, follow the route. Each itinerary balances headline sights with breathing room.

Where to stay in Thuringia

Three tiers, every traveller covered — from cost-conscious to flagship hotels.

Where to eat in Thuringia

Cafés, neighbourhood gems, and tasting menus worth the table reservation.

Getting around Thuringia

Thuringia is compact and well served by Deutsche Bahn regional and ICE rail, with Erfurt Hauptbahnhof as the main hub on the Berlin-Munich high-speed line; most towns are reachable within an hour by train or regional bus

Budget breakdown

Daily spend by tier in EUR, broken out by category.

Best time to visit Thuringia

Essential travel tips

• Buy the Thüringen-Ticket for cheap regional train travel across the state — one ticket covers up to five people on weekends
• Book Wartburg Castle guided tours online in advance during summer and around Reformation Day (October 31)
• Erfurt's Christmas market (late November-December) draws large crowds — arrive early or on weekdays
• Tap water is safe and good quality throughout Thuringia
• Sunday closures are widespread for shops — plan grocery runs for weekdays or Saturday mornings
• The Rennsteig long-distance trail (170 km) is the classic way to experience the Thuringian Forest
• Many museums offer combination tickets covering Weimar's UNESCO Classical Weimar sites
• Cash is still commonly used in small-town restaurants and market stalls; carry some euros

Hidden gems

Off-the-beaten-path corners most travellers miss.

Safety information

Frequently asked questions

Explore Thuringia by city

The cities below have their own guides — hotels, attractions and where to eat, in depth.