THURINGIA
OPEN HORIZONS – DISCOVER THURINGIA!
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Thuringia, the green state at the heart of Germany, invites you to come and discover its incredible diversity. In our state, pioneering inventions rub shoulders with wild and romantic natural scenery, a rich cultural heritage and historical settings go hand in hand with culinary treasures, great cultural events and inviting towns and cities: we think it’s the perfect place to live. We have hiking trails that have won prizes as “Germany’s Most Beautiful Trail”, making Thuringia one of the top places to actively experience nature.
Around 2.1 million people live in the state that was once the home of literary luminaries Goethe and Schiller. The fact that the Free State of Thuringia is one of the smaller states in Germany, covering around 16,000 square kilometres, says nothing about our innovative strength. Thuringia has often been at the centre of pioneering events and inventions that continue to resonate in the present. The kindergarten was invented in Thuringia, the Bible was translated, and the very first round of skat, arguably Germany’s most popular card game, was played here. Top technology from Jena and Ilmenau plays a key role in space travel, and the Bauhaus in Weimar is the cradle of modern architecture.
We look forward to celebrating German Unity Day with you in Schwerin, and we warmly invite you to discover Thuringia’s many facets – for instance, while looking out from the battlements of a Thuringian castle towards Schwerin’s castle.
5 Highlights
in THURINGIA
THE WARTBURG – AND EVEN MORE CASTLES
Thuringia’s many castles bring the past to life and are woven into our cultural heritage. They were the scene of historical events, the homes of noble families and rulers, and places where great minds came up with groundbreaking ideas. Today they are a window onto what life was like back then.
WEIMAR - CLASSICISM UND MODERNISM
Weimar is a must-see for all culture fans. It is home to two UNESCO World Heritages: Classical Weimar and Bauhaus. Our tip: emulate Goethe and Schiller and take a leisurely stroll through the park along the Ilm River.
STROLL THROUGH THE CITY OF ERFURT
Impressive buildings, exciting architectural traces, a deeply international spirit – the Thuringian state capital is a lively place with a youthful energy. One of the highlights is the Krämerbrücke, which is 120 metres long and is the only bridge north of the Alps with buildings on both sides.
GERMANY’S MOST FAMOUS HIKING TRAIL: THE RENNSTEIG.
This “path through the peaks” offers plenty of spectacular views, rare plants and traditional crafts along its 169.3 kilometres. Thuringia is also one of the top hiking addresses with a total of 7,500 kilometres of signposted hiking trails.
EXPORT HIT: THE THURINGIAN BRATWURST
The popular culinary speciality is one of the stars at many summer barbecues. The original sausage is 15 - 20 centimetres long and weighs 100 to 150 grams, and every master butcher has their own recipe, often based on closely-guarded family recipes that have been passed down from generation to generation.
THE FREE STATE OF THURINGIA AT THE FESTIVAL OF GERMAN UNITY
On Graf-Schack-Allee, we invite you to discover Thuringia as a modern land of castles. While the Thuringian Bratwurst Museum will be serving up our iconic specialities on the three terraces, visitors can find out more about the peasants’ revolt in the 2025 state exhibition “2025 – freiheyt 1525 – 500 Jahre Bauernkrieg” on 2 October from 2 pm to 8 pm and on 3 and 4 October from 10 am to 8 pm.
There are more than 15 castles on the façade of the Thuringian stand and the battlements of the roof terrace. Visitors are invited to dive into the inspiring world of Thuringia’s castles – there’s plenty to explore, from the Middle Ages to the modern age. Explorers of all ages can answer questions about the state and take part in a prize draw. In keeping with the cheerful medieval mood, a juggler will be performing on all days of the event.
Come and visit us – we look forward to welcoming you!