Thuringia is a place in central Germany that does not attract much attention from tourists, but it is a place of great culture, history, and fascinating landscapes. Most people know Thuringia by its iconic monuments, medieval cities, castles, and beautiful landscape, but it remains largely undiscovered territory. The Thuringia cities of Erfurt, Weimar, and Gotha are unique and offer a blend of history, culture, and enchantment for the tourist. Moving from the old streets of the city of Erfurt to literature in Weimar to the royal history of Gotha, these cities offer a perfect European vacation.

Explore Erfurt: The Capital of Thuringia

Thuringia’s capital, Erfurt, is a place that will be interesting for history lovers and fans of cultures. This medieval town is packed with history, architecture, and a unique atmosphere, which makes the town a perfect tourist destination in Germany.

A Walk Through History in Erfurt

Erfurt’s history dates back to the early Middle Ages, and it played an important role in the city’s development. The town’s medieval Altstadt is one of the most well-preserved cities in Germany and takes the visitor back in time. You will feel like being in a different time going through Krämerbrücke—a 120-meter-long bridge with shops built right into the structure. It is a special structure and one of the oldest structures in Europe that still has buildings on it.

The most famous landmark in the city is the Erfurt Cathedral, along with the Augustinerkloster, Augustinian Monastery. The cathedral that looms large with tall towers and a massive frontage is a prominent landmark in the city and the monastery where Luther lived before he started his reformation crusade.

The City of Flowers and Parks

But it is also important to mention that there are many gardens and parks in Erfurt too. Among the city’s green areas, the Egapark is one of the largest horticultural parks in Germany. This park has worked hard to provide beautiful flower beds, sculptures, and gardening that can be a good place for people to take refuge from the densely populated city.

Another place of interest is Petersberg Citadel, which provides a bird’s-eye view of the city of Erfurt. This fortress has seen over a few centuries of existence and is now used to promote the history of the place and offer tourists the atmosphere of the calm countryside.

Erfurt’s Culinary Delights

A very important thing to taste when in Erfurt is the Thuringian cuisine. The city provides interesting non-touristic meals, including Thüringer Rostbratwurst (Thuringian sausages) and Kloß (potato dumplings) served in the many restaurants in the Old Town. It is advisable to take large portions of these regional dishes after a tiresome day of touring.

Discover Weimar: A UNESCO Heritage Site

The next city on the list is Weimar—a city that may not be large but has given Germany some of the greatest literary, artistic, and philosophical treasures. This is a world heritage site that provides the tourists a wonderful opportunity to see the origin of German classicism.

The Legacy of Goethe and Schiller

The Goethe House and the Schiller Museum should be on any list of must-see places for those who want to learn about German literature. Goethe House is a perfectly restored house where Goethe lived for most of his life and the museum dedicated to his life and works.

Friedrich Schiller, who spent a long time in Weimar, is also presented in the Schiller Museum. A walk in Schiller Park that houses Schiller’s statue will be enough to tour the city in literature.

Cultural and Artistic Influence

The Bauhaus museum gives a glimpse of how the Bauhaus school changed the face of design, architecture, and art and affected the modern world. Another must-visit place in Weimar is the Duchess Anna Amalia Library, which is one of the most beautiful libraries in the world. It contains a large number of rare books, such as manuscripts of Goethe, Schiller, and other representatives of the German Enlightenment.

Weimar’s Charming Atmosphere

In spite of the importance that culture gives to Weimar, one could almost imagine that it is a village. The main square with the old houses, small European-style shops and cafes, and parks with benches and lawns will suit anyone for strolling. One of the most picturesque is the Market Square, especially when the Christmas market starts, and the whole area is covered with lights, gingerbread, and crafts.

Gotha: A Hidden Gem in the Heart of Thuringia

Gotha’s Royal Heritage

The Friedenstein Castle is the main sight of Gotha and one of the largest and oldest castles in Germany. The impressive Aiolsheim Castle was built in the 17th century and has been lovingly restored and now hosts the Heritage Museum and the Eisenach Museum. People can tour around the palace, view the artwork within it, and take a walk around the beautiful gardens.

The Historic Old Town

Old Town of Gotha is a perfect place for a walk. The beautiful market square and the streets nearby offer richly renovated Gothic architecture. The Town Hall itself is an impressive building, which can be considered as the example of Gotha’s architecture of the past. The town is a blend of Baroque and Renaissance-style houses, so just walking through the town, one can get a feel of the past.

The Outdoors: Parks and Natural Beauty

For those who like nature, Gotha has enough territory with parks where you can go in. If you are in Gotha, a park near Friedenstein Castle is called Gotha Park, and it’s perfect for a walk or to have a picnic. There are magnificent trails in the forests and hills around which are best for hiking, especially in spring and summer when the flowers in the region are in bloom.

Why Thuringia Should Be on Your Travel List

Erfurt, Weimar, and Gotha are the cities of culture and history: Goethe and Schiller, the royal city of Gotha, and the medieval Erfurt. These cities are both historic and artistic places with lots of opportunities to enjoy the beauty of nature.

Erfurt, Weimar, and Gotha are well connected by railways and by roads; one could easily travel between these cities. Thuringian cities are perfect to visit during a weekend since the distance between them is not very large, and it is possible to see all the cities of interest in a few days. Make sure to also find out about the regional transportation passes that would take you to all three cities and the rest of the countries.

Conclusion

Thuringia is a somewhat unknown area of Germany, but there are many interesting and wonderful places to visit there. From the medieval city of Erfurt to the cultural triangle of Weimar to the royal city of Gotha—this area provides an interesting and romantic experience. So if you are thinking of your next trip to Europe and Europe tours and travels, do not miss out on Thuringia.