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.
Accommodation overview
Hotels by budget
Find accommodation that fits your travel budget.
Budget-friendly (under $50/night)
ibis Erfurt Altstadt
Affordable accommodation option in Thuringia.
Check rates on Booking.comHotel Thüringer Hof Rudolstadt
Affordable accommodation option in Thuringia.
Check rates on Booking.comMid-range ($50-150/night)
Radisson Blu Hotel Erfurt
Comfortable mid-range hotel in Thuringia.
Check rates on Booking.comHotel Zumnorde am Anger
Comfortable mid-range hotel in Thuringia.
Check rates on Booking.comMercure Hotel Erfurt Altstadt
Comfortable mid-range hotel in Thuringia.
Check rates on Booking.comDorint Hotel am Goethepark Weimar
Comfortable mid-range hotel in Thuringia.
Check rates on Booking.comBest Western Premier Grand Hotel Russischer Hof
Comfortable mid-range hotel in Thuringia.
Check rates on Booking.comHotel Schillerhof Weimar
Comfortable mid-range hotel in Thuringia.
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Comfortable mid-range hotel in Thuringia.
Check rates on Booking.comSteigenberger Hotel Thüringer Hof
Comfortable mid-range hotel in Thuringia.
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Comfortable mid-range hotel in Thuringia.
Check rates on Booking.comHotel Schwarzer Bär Jena
Comfortable mid-range hotel in Thuringia.
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Comfortable mid-range hotel in Thuringia.
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Comfortable mid-range hotel in Thuringia.
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Comfortable mid-range hotel in Thuringia.
Check rates on Booking.comLuxury ($150+/night)
Hotel Elephant Weimar, Autograph Collection
Premium luxury accommodation in Thuringia.
Check rates on Booking.comRomantik Hotel auf der Wartburg
Premium luxury accommodation in Thuringia.
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Choose your base based on your interests and travel style.
Erfurt Altstadt
Erfurt's medieval old town around the Krämerbrücke and Domplatz; the most walkable base for exploring Thuringia's capital, with a mix of budget, mid-range and upper-upscale hotels.
Weimar Altstadt
Weimar's compact historic centre around the Markt, Theaterplatz and Goetheplatz; home to the region's most storied address, the Hotel Elephant, and several boutique and mid-range hotels within a short walk of the classical sites.
Eisenach Wartburg
The hillside around the Wartburg castle above Eisenach offers the region's most atmospheric overnight stay, while the town centre around Karlsplatz has additional upper-upscale and mid-range options.
Jena City Centre
Jena's centre around Carl-Zeiss-Platz and the Lutherplatz mixes university-town energy with a smaller set of mid-range and upper-upscale hotels.
Gotha Schlosspark
The area near Friedenstein Palace and the Schlosspark in Gotha offers a quieter, greener base with fewer but well-regarded hotels.
Smaller Towns
Gera, Rudolstadt and other smaller Thuringian towns offer lower-cost hotel options, generally with fewer amenities than properties in Erfurt or Weimar.
Our top picks
Handpicked recommendations for every type of traveler.
Radisson Blu Hotel Erfurt
Quality accommodation for your stay in Thuringia.
Check rates on Booking.comHotel Zumnorde am Anger
Quality accommodation for your stay in Thuringia.
Check rates on Booking.comMercure Hotel Erfurt Altstadt
Quality accommodation for your stay in Thuringia.
Check rates on Booking.comibis Erfurt Altstadt
Quality accommodation for your stay in Thuringia.
Check rates on Booking.comH+ Hotel Erfurt
Quality accommodation for your stay in Thuringia.
Check rates on Booking.comHotel Elephant Weimar, Autograph Collection
Quality accommodation for your stay in Thuringia.
Check rates on Booking.comBooking tips
Get the best deals and avoid common mistakes.
Weimar's small stock of central hotel rooms sells out quickly during the summer festival calendar and around the Kunstfest Weimar — book 2-3 months ahead for peak dates
The Erfurt Christmas market (Erfurter Weihnachtsmarkt) fills the city's Altstadt hotels from late November through December; reserve well in advance
Staying on the Wartburg hillside in Eisenach offers dramatic views but limited dining options after dark; the town centre below has more restaurant choices within a short taxi ride
Erfurt and Jena tend to be less expensive than Weimar for a comparable hotel standard, while offering direct rail connections to Weimar in under 20 minutes
Smaller towns such as Gotha, Rudolstadt and Gera offer noticeably lower rates and can work well as a base for day trips into Erfurt or Weimar by regional train
Alternative accommodations
Beyond traditional hotels, consider these options.
Guesthouses
Family-run guesthouses offer authentic local experiences and often include home-cooked meals. Great for cultural immersion.
Serviced apartments
Ideal for longer stays or families. Kitchen facilities help save money and provide flexibility.
Hostels
Budget-friendly option for solo travelers. Dorms and private rooms available with social common areas.