Medieval charm

In the 16th Century, Martin Luther was sheltered in the Wartburg when most of Europe was up in arms about his Protestant Reformation. It is here that he made his translation of the Bible. The castle maintains its medieval charm with its facade, a replica of Luther's desk inside the castle and the newly added interior mosaics. (Matt Munro)

Follow in the footsteps of literary figurehead Goethe and walk along the Thuringian forest trails. The forest overlooks the town of Ilmenau, to which Goethe escaped no fewer than 28 times. (Matt Munro)


Past masters

Weimar was the epicentre of German enlightenment and home to intellectual and creative giants, including Johann Sebastian Bach. A statue of Bach sits in front of the church where he worked, and the Duchess Anna Malia Library remains a treasure commemorating the literary and romantic history of Thuringia. (Matt Munro)




Historic villages

Some of the historic towns offer picturesque architecture, including Eisenach, pictured on the left, the extraordinary half-timbered town of Schmalkalden in the centre, and on the right is Arnstadt, one of the area's oldest towns. (Matt Munro)


Vintage and modern treasures

Erfurt, the capital of Thuringia, is a combination of sweeping squares, time-worn alleyways, idyllic river scenes and vintage inns. It contains the longest inhabited medieval bridge, which is lined with artisan shops. On the right, puppeteer and wood carver Martin Gobsch displays his puppets. On the left stands Erfurt's neo-Gothic town hall, built in the 19th Century. (Matt Munro)