Thuringia is a Land where nature reigns, which largely contributes to its charm. But it is also a land which is dotted with very beautiful cities full of liveliness. To find out, go for example to two of the most dynamic cities in the region, Erfurt and Jena. Close-up on two cities that move in the heart of a region that will surprise you.

Capital of the Land of Thuringia, Erfurt (202,000 inhabitants) has a superb architectural heritage, which is the scene of festivities that enliven it all year round!

Above the roofs of the city rise the bell towers of 50 religious buildings dating from various eras: churches, monasteries, convents, or chapels, including Notre-Dame cathedral and Saint-Séverin church which are chiefs of work of German Gothic – note that they face each other.

He especially hovers there the spirit of Martin Luther (1483-1546). The famous co-founder of Protestantism indeed studied at the University of Erfurt and was even appointed priest in the cathedral. It was here that he began to meditate on the need to reform the church.

See also: the Old Synagogue , the oldest temple of this kind existing in Europe (its origin dates back to 11 th  century). A treasure made of various precious objects, discovered in its walls during works, is exposed in this place. Become a museum, it tells the life of the Jewish community of Erfurt since the Middle Ages.

At the foot of these monuments are lined medieval half-timbered houses – notably on the Domplatz -, Renaissance buildings – for example on the fish market square, aka Fishmarkt -, the ramparts of the Petersberg citadel, as well as 142 bridges  ! These cross the Gera river, as well as its arms, as well as the moats which skirted the old city wall.

The most famous is certainly the Krämerbrücke (Pont des Épiciers). 120 m long and bordered by ancient constructions, this first cousin of Florence’s Ponte Vecchio was designed in the Middle Ages, when Erfurt already asserted itself as a commercial place of prime importance in addition to being a major religious center.

Of stalls, shops and taverns in providing the entertainment. There you will find art galleries, artisans, antique dealers, or a small brewery called Heimathafen which produces beer in an eco-responsible way.

It is therefore one of the most attractive places in the city, especially during the month of June, during the Krämerbrückenfest . On this occasion, the bridge and its surroundings plunge you into a delightful medieval atmosphere with its traders, restaurateurs or acrobats.

Other festive events that bring together all generations are organized in Erfurt: carnival at the start of the year, pottery market in spring, flower and garden market in summer…

Particularly important is the Martinstag , Saint Martin’s day in the evening when children roam the city to collect sweets. It is also an opportunity to celebrate the memory of Martin Luther. This event takes place every November 10.

Finally, let’s not forget to mention the essential Christmas market , without which the end of year celebrations would not be what they should be!

As for museums , you have some that tell the history of the city, present collections of art, natural history, or which are devoted to gardening, or to regional culture…

And then, to taste the young atmosphere of the city, go to Michaelisstraße and its surroundings. It is a neighborhood frequented by students where taverns and bars abound.

Jena, science, technology … and bistro terraces!

Another city to discover in Thuringia: Jena (Jena in German). The French know it especially because of a famous battle which, in 1806, saw the armies of Napoleon I er prevailing over the Prussians. A small museum in Cospeda tells the story near the sites where the fighting took place.

The most erudite know that it is an important university town where Goethe and Schiller became friends – several places of which keep the memory alive – and where the philosophers Hegel and Fichte worked in particular.

But those who had the chance to visit this city of some 100,000 inhabitants come back conquered. And for good reason … A good part of its population is always made up of students, which makes it very lively. Especially in its old town, full of places to eat or have a drink on the terrace , when you are not shopping in beautiful boutiques.

Jena will also delight lovers of discoveries. This growing city has from the 19 th  century, embodied the technical advances and scientific first-rate, especially in the areas of glass and optics under the guidance of researchers and industrialists such as Otto Schott, Carl Zeiss Ernst Abbe.

Visiting the Optics Museum is very enlightening in this respect. Objects from various eras follow one another in front of you: glasses, telescopes, magic lanterns, praxinoscopes, microscopes, cameras, etc. You also have the reconstruction of Carl Zeiss’ workshop.

In the same vein, we will delve into the stars at the Zeiss planetarium , very modern although founded in 1926.

See also: the astronomical clock of the 15 th  century that is located in the old Town Hall.

Close to the stars, the JenTower (149 m) is the highest symbol of Jena. Located in the heart of the city, this skyscraper was built during the GDR era, according to plans by architect Hermann Henselmann. Inaugurated in 1973, it has since been raised.

The cylindrical JenTower houses a hotel restaurant called Scala. From a platform, you have a wonderful panoramic view of Jena and its surroundings.

Enough to end this stay in this dynamic city of Thuringia.

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