Thuringia (Thüringen) is a landlocked state at the geographic heart of Germany, often called the country's "Green Heart" for its dense forests and rolling hills. Home to Erfurt, Weimar, Jena, Gera, and Eisenach, Thuringia punches far above its size in cultural weight: it is the birthplace of the Reformation's Bible translation at Wartburg Castle, the cradle of German Classicism through Goethe and Schiller in Weimar, and the founding ground of the Bauhaus movement. Dense forests, half-timbered old towns, and a compact, affordable travel footprint make it one of central Germany's most rewarding regions to explore.
Family activities
Engaging experiences for travellers of every age.
Family-friendly hotels
Accommodation designed with families in mind.
A&O Erfurt Hauptbahnhof
Family features: Family rooms (up to 4 persons), cots available, central location near Erfurt's old town and train station
Hotel Vienna House Easy Erfurt
Family features: Family rooms, breakfast buffet with children's options, central Erfurt location
Best Western Grand Hotel Russischer Hof Weimar
Family features: Family rooms, central Weimar location within walking distance of Goethe and Schiller sites, breakfast included
Hotel Elephant Weimar
Family features: Historic 5-star hotel on Weimar's Marktplatz with spacious family suites and central access to all Weimar attractions
Dining with kids
Eating out as a family.
German restaurants and Gasthäuser commonly offer a Kinderteller (children's menu) of smaller, simpler dishes, typically EUR 6-9 (USD 7-10.50)
Thuringian Rostbratwurst stands are a quick, inexpensive, and popular option for feeding children on the move between sightseeing stops
High chairs (Kinderstuhl/Hochstuhl) are commonly available in restaurants and cafes across Erfurt and Weimar; it is fine to ask when seated
Baby-changing facilities are standard in Erfurt's larger shopping centres and increasingly common in family-oriented restaurants in Weimar and Eisenach
Family travel tips
Practical advice for stress-free family trips.
Build downtime into every day — over-scheduled kids melt down faster than tired adults.
Carry snacks, water, and a small first-aid kit at all times.
Many attractions offer discounted family tickets — ask at the ticket window.