Famous Names

Many famous people from all branches of arts and culture have left their traces in the cultural state of Thuringia. The encyclopaedias listing great German minds would be sadly depleted without all those who found Thuringia a good place to spend their lives or to live and work for a while. The most famous ones are the composer Johann Sebastian Bach, the reformer Martin Luther and Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Germany’s most important poet.

Not to be forgot are also the poet Friedrich Schiller, the educationalist Friedrich Froebel, architect Walter Gropius, painter Lucas Cranach, philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche, the composers Heinrich Schuetz and Franz Liszt or inventor Carl Zeiss, founder of the optical industry.

Bach and his musical heritage

You will find information about Bach ’s work at many different places in Thuringia. The annual Thuringian Bach Festival commemorates the great composer. more – Bach and his musical heritage

Martin Luther – the road to the Reformation

After Luther 's criticism of deplorable circumstances within the church and his translation of the New Testament at Wartburg Fortress, the Reformation could no longer be prevented. more – Martin Luther – the road to the Reformation

Following in Goethe ’s footsteps

Walk in the great man’s footsteps on the Goethe Hiking Route or visit his home and summer house. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, who came to Thuringia from Frankfurt/Main as a young man, was more than an inspired poet during his time here. more – Following in Goethe ’s footsteps

Mementoes of Schiller

Schiller wrote his play "Intrigue and Love” in Bauerbach and had it performed at the natural theatre there. Many of the places where he lived and worked can be visited today. more – Mementoes of Schiller

Franz Liszt - citizen of the world

Liszt – citizen of the world and icon – and associated with Thuringia in a particular way. Together with Johann Sebastian Bach, he was the outstanding musician in the central German cultural region. more – Franz Liszt - citizen of the world