Travel Destination: Thüringen

The state of Thüringen earns its nickname 'Green Heart of Germany' honestly. In the middle of the Federal Republic, vast green forested areas stretch over approximately 16,000 square kilometers, including the Thüringer Wald and the Schiefergebirge, two of the most popular vacation destinations for active travelers from all over Europe. Majestic castles and fortresses tower above historic old towns, and architectural structures and cultural sites bear witness to the impressive history of the Free State, which has captivated artists and personalities like Johann Wolfgang von Goethe and Friedrich Schiller. Today, the Bauhaus city of Weimar and the state capital, Erfurt, are among the most sought-after excursion destinations, but even away from the urban centers, there is much for families, active vacationers, and those seeking relaxation to discover. Our travel experts have uncovered exactly what to look for. They traveled through Thüringen to find the most beautiful, exciting, and diverse places and regions in the heart of Germany. Thüringen - 'Wonderful, wonderful, over-wonderful (Goethe)'.

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Around 2.2 million residents live in Thüringen across nearly 16,000 square kilometers.

Erfurt and Jena are home to two major cities within the Free State.

Approximately 20,000 kilometers of hiking trails lead active vacationers through the region; the most famous is the Rennsteig, which starts in Eisenach.

On the way, there are 400 medieval castles, castle ruins, and palaces, as well as 18 UNESCO World Heritage sites.

For those seeking relaxation, there are 19 spa towns with wellness and Kneipp facilities.

The longest river in Thüringen is the Saale, measuring 196.3 kilometers.

Hiking trails, historical cultural sites, and green landscapes - visitors can expect all this and more in the Free State of Thüringen. Whether it's an active vacation, city trip, or wellness getaway, in the 'Green Heart of Germany,' everyone finds something for their taste.

Here are a few things you can discover in the region:

Sports Paradise: For active travelers, Thüringen offers numerous opportunities to test their limits and explore the green mountainous realm of the Thüringer Wald. 20,000 kilometers of hiking trails and a variety of mountain biking routes lead through this state in the heart of Germany. In winter, the mountainous regions transform into ski and snowboard arenas.

Experience Merkers Mine: Dive underground and discover the world beneath the surface at Merkers Mine Experience. In Wartburgkreis, visitors can not only gain insight into the operations of a salt mine but also experience events, concerts, and special attractions in this unique atmosphere. Want to explore the Merkers Mine experience yourself? Here you can find more information: www.erlebnisbergwerk.de

Animal World: Combine your city trip to Erfurt with a visit to the zoo. In the northern part of the state capital, visitors can marvel at nearly 2,278 animals from around the world in Germany's third-largest zoo. Big and small can see kangaroos, rhinoceroses, and numerous native animals here. Learn all the important information about the Erfurt 'Zoo of Big Animals' here: www.zoopark-erfurt.de

Pure Wellness: Thüringen is also a popular destination for those seeking relaxation. They find fulfillment in thermal baths, exclusive wellness hotels, and in the mountains.

Bathing Fun in the Recreation Pool: In the spa and rose town of Bad Langensalza, you will find pure relaxation in the Friederiken Therme. With 200 years of spa tradition and a pleasant atmosphere, visiting the thermal bath becomes a special experience. The thermal bath, featuring soothing water, is open every day for you. Here you can find further information about prices and opening hours: www.friederikentherme.de

Kyffhäuser-Therme: In one of Germany's most beautiful low mountain ranges, the Kyffhäuser, not only active vacationers find satisfaction. Relaxation and wellness await visitors at Kyffhäuser-Therme. The offerings of the brine spa include a sauna landscape, wellness and beauty services, a Dead Sea salt grotto, and brine pools. Discover the thermal bath in Bad Frankenhausen here: www.kyffhaeuser-therme.de

For Young and Old: The perfect excursion destination for both small and large Thüringen vacationers is the leisure and recreation park Possen. In addition to excursions to the high ropes course, you can also visit the Possen Tower, the tallest observation tower in Europe. For the little ones, there is also a zoo, playground, and Germany's largest bouncy pillow. Feeling intrigued? Here you can find all the info: www.possen.de

Did you know that Thüringen is also known worldwide for its culinary achievements, namely Thüringer Klöße and bratwurst?

The following top destinations received the recommendation seal from Travelcircus in 2016:

Thüringen is green and versatile. This is shown not only by its various landscapes and cultural offerings but also through the concerts, events, and happenings that take place throughout the year, delighting vacationers. We show you what you can experience from Erfurt to the Thüringer Wald.

Hiking Paradise: 23 awarded premium trails lead vacationers across the state. Among these is arguably the best-known German hiking trail, the Rennsteig, and the 1,010-kilometer Luther Trail. If you've had enough of hiking, you can explore the mountain biking trails by bike.

In summer and winter: In Thüringen, there is always something to see or experience. In winter, for example, there are 910 kilometers of skiing trails, 655 groomed tracks, and 560 kilometers of winter hiking trails.

Festival: The SonneMondSterne Festival takes place annually in Saalburg, attracting both German and international audiences and world-famous artists to Thüringen.

Weimar Summer: Once a year, the cultural city attracts with a series of concerts, festivals, and events when 'Weimar Summer' begins. Additionally, there are concerts, Goethe-themed evenings, and festivities celebrating his birthday throughout the year, as well as theater performances.

DomStufen Festival: Once a year, the Erfurt Cathedral Steps between the Mariendom and Severinkirche transform into a stage for dance and music performances.

Medieval City Festival: Experience a journey back in time! Bad Langensalza transforms on the last weekend of August, when the entire downtown area turns into a medieval market with over 160 exhibitors and craftsmen showcasing their goods. This beautiful and largest medieval festival in Central Germany offers visitors a unique and extensive program on its six stages.

Höhler Biennale: Since 2003, the Gera Höhler Biennale has taken place every two years in the unique ambiance of the Gera Höhler, showcasing international installation art with the awarding of the German Installation Art Prize in three categories. In 2017, the Biennale will take place from June 23 to October 15.

Let's go to Thüringen!

The capital of the Green Heart of Germany can be reached quickly and easily from major cities like Frankfurt or Leipzig.

Getting from Frankfurt to Erfurt: It takes just under 2 hours by car from Frankfurt to Erfurt, the quickest route being via A5 and A4.

Getting from Leipzig: The journey from Leipzig to Erfurt is uncomplicated. Via A9 and A4, you can reach the city with the Krämer Bridge in about 1 hour and 30 minutes.