Thüringen Attractions - Top 10 Most Popular Attractions

If you're yearning for relaxation in nature combined with a diverse cultural program, then Thüringen is the perfect destination. This federal state at the heart of Germany offers a wonderful variety of leisure activities and exciting experiences. The attractions in Thüringen range from spectacular natural landscapes to impressive monuments, as well as magnificent castles and fortresses.

We have compiled a summary of the top 10 attractions in Thüringen that you absolutely must not miss.

Curious? Here you can find the perfect short trip in Thüringen.

The Wartburg in Eisenach ranks first among the top attractions in Thüringen. It was founded in 1067 by the legendary Count Ludwig the Jumping. In the 19th century, the Wartburg was rebuilt and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999 as an 'outstanding monument of the feudal era in Central Europe.' Located at the northwestern end of the Thuringian Forest, it overlooks the city of Eisenach and is not only an important part of German history but also a monument of world history.

From May 1521 to March 1522, the outlawed reformer found refuge in exile at the Wartburg. Here, he also translated the New Testament of the Bible. Thus, the Wartburg is strongly linked to cultural values of universal significance. Additionally, the Wartburg is known for being the residence of Saint Elizabeth and where Richard Wagner wrote his opera Tannhäuser.

During a guided tour of the Wartburg, you can visit the main building, the museum with the art collection, and the Luther Room.

The Kyffhäuser is a low mountain range between the Harz and the Thuringian Forest, offering a wonderful blend of nature, culture, history, and adventure. Numerous hiking and biking trails invite active relaxation, while museums, churches, castles, and fortresses provide cultural variety.

On a mountain ridge in the northeast are the ruins of the former Kyffhausen Imperial Castle. This medieval fortification consists of three individual castles. Together, they form one of the largest castle complexes in Germany.

The famous Kyffhäuser Monument rises above the ruins of the old Imperial Castle Kyffhausen and is also known as the Barbarossa Monument. It was erected in the late 19th century in honor of Emperor Wilhelm I and is the third-largest monument in Germany.

The Thuringian Forest, ranking third among the top attractions, is the most visited vacation area in Thüringen, attracting hikers, Nordic walkers, cyclists, bikers, and nature lovers. Here you can look forward to breathtaking panoramic views, densely wooded caves, and picturesque valleys, along with charming villages. Numerous museums, churches, castles, and fortresses provide cultural variety.

The Rennsteig in the Thuringian Forest is a 170 km long ridge trail and is probably Germany's most famous hiking trail. With around 100,000 hikers annually, it is the most frequented long-distance hiking path in Germany, running from the town of Hörschel to Blankenstein. The route is marked with a white 'R'.

Located in the north of Thüringen, the Barbarossa Cave is one of only two show caves worldwide in anhydrite rock, making it a true geological rarity. Discovered by miners in 1865, the cave revealed an underground realm full of wonders and mysteries. In the 13,000 m² cave, you can expect not only a colorful interplay of white and gray rocks but also many crystal-clear lakes that create impressive reflections on the ceiling.

The name of the Barbarossa Cave comes from its location in the Kyffhäuser Mountains, which is known for its connection to the legend of Barbarossa. According to the legend, Emperor Friedrich I, known as Barbarossa, sleeps in an underground castle. He and his servants will only awaken when it is time for him to save the empire and lead it to new glory.

You can explore the cave during a guided tour lasting about an hour.

In Eichsfeld, about 40 km from Bad Sachsa, lies the Alternative Bear Park Worbis. Here, bears can swim, dig, and climb in a natural environment. The open area is also home to wolves, foxes, raccoons, and many other species. Additionally, there is a petting zoo with goats and sheep, making the Bear Park a popular destination in Thüringen for families with children.

The Bear Park Worbis was established in 1996 and spans an area of 40,000 m². The park's primary goal is to house wild animal species in a natural manner. A wire tunnel runs through the grounds, allowing visitors to walk through it. An educational trail also provides information about the various bear species, the destruction of their habitats, and animal abuse.

Hainich National Park was established in 1997 and covers an area of 16,000 hectares. It is the largest contiguous deciduous forest area in Germany and the only national park in Thüringen. The aim of Hainich is to protect the native beech forest - it should also develop into a primeval forest where nature can take its course. Hainich National Park is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The treetop path in the northeastern part of Hainich extends 530 m above the treetops. When visiting, you can explore the treetop path either on your own or as part of a guided tour. Along the path, there are several seating areas and information boards with interesting facts about the park and its inhabitants - including the increasingly rare wildcat in Germany.

The Dornburg Castles are three magnificent castles situated on the edge of a plateau made of shell limestone overlooking the Saale. Nestled among vineyards, the castles are also surrounded by an English landscape garden and a French Baroque garden.

The three castles from different eras invite you on an exciting journey through time. They include:

The last two castles are open to visitors and host exhibitions on Johann Wolfgang von Goethe.

At a height of 81 m, the Erfurt Cathedral is the landmark of the city. Its official name is the St. Mary's Cathedral in Erfurt. A 70-step outdoor staircase leads from the Erfurt Cathedral Square up to the cathedral - a stunning ensemble.

The Erfurt Cathedral houses the oldest swinging medieval church bell in the world. The 'Gloriosa' is two meters tall and has a diameter of about 2.6 m. It is considered one of the most significant creations of European bell founding and can be visited during a guided tour.

While the Erfurt Cathedral is the most famous attraction in the city, it does not completely overshadow all the other sights worth visiting. When you take a city trip to Erfurt, be sure to also see these highlights:

The Rhön Biosphere Reserve encompasses the core area of the same-named low mountain range, which spreads over Hesse, Bavaria, and Thüringen, covering nearly 2,500 km². In 1991, the Rhön was recognized as a biosphere reserve by UNESCO. The name Rhön means 'Land of Open Vistas,' as one can enjoy the magnificent view of a largely unwooded cultural landscape from the mountain peaks.

The Thüringen part of the Rhön Biosphere Reserve is characterized by extensively networked limestone grasslands and a landscape influenced by large corporations. In the biosphere reserve, humans and nature play equally important roles. The interrelationship between them is reflected in the reserve's goals:

The last place among the top 10 attractions in Thüringen goes to the Bauhaus in Weimar. Founded in 1919 by Walter Gropius as an art school, the Weimar Bauhaus marks the beginning of a new era. The concept was something completely new at the time, as art and craft were brought together for the first time - thus revolutionizing the appearance of Modernism and design. The Bauhaus in Weimar remains one of the most influential educational institutions in architecture, art, and design in the 20th century. The three Bauhaus sites have been part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996.

In 2019, the Bauhaus celebrates its 100th anniversary. This occasion will be marked by numerous events, the opening of the new Bauhaus Museum, and a new permanent exhibition during the festive weeks in the opening month of April.

Colloquially, the term Bauhaus is now often equated with Modernism in architecture and design.

Looking for an adrenaline rush? Here you can find the top 3 amusement parks in Thüringen.

Thüringen impresses with its impressive diversity, whether it's cities like Erfurt, Weimar, and Jena, fantastic nature parks, or magnificent castles. The number of excursion destinations in Thüringen - even with children or in bad weather - is quite impressive.