Best things to do in Eisenach

Nestled in the mountains of Thuringia, Wartburg Castle served as the temporary refuge of Martin Luther from 1521 to 1522. He first translated the New Testament into German during his time here, and the castle represents a significant symbol of Christianity in Germany today. Visit the fortress to admire its mix of different architectural styles, including Romanesque, Gothic, and Renaissance. Stop by the on-site museum to view a collection of German paintings and local works. This UNESCO World Heritage site commands views over the surrounding forests. The website offers details about guided tours.

A canyon that been a destination spot since the Middle Ages, Drachenschlucht / Landgrafenschlucht is a gorge and series of hiking trails that cut through the forest. The nature area is part of a protected park that offers tranquil walks alongside rugged terrain. Royals once used the grounds as a hunting area, but now the animal life has returned. A castle and hunting lodge dating from the 18th century are still standing and open to visitors. Bring plenty of water and a snack with you for the hike; apart from one restaurant, you won't find any other facilities with water or food.

Serving as a museum to classical composer Johann Sebastian Bach, Bachhaus is a small Eisenach house originally thought to be the birthplace of Bach in 1685. Even though it was disproven, the New Bach Society purchased the building in 1906. Stop here to learn about Bach's life and career through more than 250 original exhibits, including antique musical instruments, a Bach music autograph, and a comprehensive listening room. Concerts occasionally take place here. Check for schedules and tickets on the museum's website.

The Lutherhaus in Eisenach is one of the oldest surviving half-timbered houses in Thuringia. Tradition holds that Martin Luther lived there with the Cotta family during his schooldays from 1498 to 1501. The Lutherhaus has been one of the most important historic Reformation sites since the 19th century and, as such, was designated a "European cultural heritage site" in 2011. The Lutherhaus has been run as a cultural history museum since 1956.

The former abbey church of Fulda Abbey, Fulda Cathedral has been both the cathedral and symbol of the town since 1752. Sitting on the burial site of Saint Boniface, the Baroque structure was completed between 1704 and 1712. The cathedral suffered damage during World War II air raids and was closed for restoration until 1954. From a large square outside the building, you can admire the details of the facade, the bell towers, the main portal, and the obelisks. Inside, the white decorations display a Roman Baroque style reminiscent of St. Peter's Basilica in Rome.

Veste Coburg mit Kunstsammlungen was home to Martin Luther in 1530, and now houses many internationally significant art and historical collections. Take the self-guided tour through timber-paneled rooms filled with authentic furnishings, great hall, armory, and chapel. The castle boasts a large collection of weapons, hunting gear, and armor, as well as important collections of paintings, prints, drawings, and coins. Information is provided in English and German throughout the castle, and an audio guide is available as well. Hours displayed on this page are taken from Google--please check official website for accurate and up-to-date information.

Debuting as an open-air museum in the 19th century, Romerkastell Saalburg und archaologischer Park provides a journey back to an ancient Roman province. When the Roman Empire was at its peak, this location housed 600 soldiers in its garrison and almost 1,500 townspeople. The grounds included a guesthouse, baths, and taverns. The fort was rebuilt next to the archeological site where artifacts from the settlement were found. These artifacts are stored safely in glass cases in the main museum structure; the rest of the pieces in the displays are recreations. Purchase a ticket that includes admission to the Celtic World at the Glauberg to learn how the native people lived outside of the settlement. Make a stop by the Taberna restaurant in the museum to experience the tastes of ancient Rome.