UNESCO World Heritage sites

Thuringia is home to numerous culturally important sights. Some of these have even been internationally recognised for their historical significance by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation - the UNESCO.  Wartburg Castle near Eisenach and no less than 16 historically influential sights and objects in the classical city of Weimar were all chosen to be members of the prestigious list of World Heritage sites. Many of these objects are open to visitors and have become popular tourist attractions.

Weimar – the cultural capital

16 sights and objects in the classical city of Weimar were also inducted as members to the list of World Heritage sites. The high artistic quality of the public and private buildings, castles and parks in and around the city testify to the renowned cultural developments of the Weimar Classical Period.  Enlightened ducal patronage attracted many of the leading writers and thinkers in Germany, such as Goethe, Schiller and Nietzsche to Weimar in the late 18th and early 19th century, making it a European cultural centre. Weimar was therefore chosen as the "Cultural Capital of Europe" in 1999. 

Some of the protected sights include: Goethe House, Schiller House, Goethe’s Garden House, the Duchess Anna Amalia Library, the Bauhaus Museum and the three palaces – Belvedere, Ettersburg and Tiefurt with their unique grounds.

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The World Heritage sites include:

• School of Arts and Crafts
• Bauhaus example "Haus am Horn"
• Wittums Palace
• Weimar City Palace Museum
• Town Church of St Peter and Paul
• Schiller House
• Roman House
• Palace and Park Tiefurt
• Goethe's Garden House
• Goethe House
• Ettersburg Castle Gardens
• Duchess Anna Amalia Library
• Ducal Tomb
• Belvedere Palace Weimar

Wartburg Castle

Wartburg Castle near Eisenach is one of Germany’s most famous castles and the only one to be a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its stunning natural surroundings and outstanding examples of Feudalistic architecture have been praised for ages. The castle also has an influential historical significance. It was here in 1521 where Martin Luther, during his exile, translated the New Testament from Greek into German. Luther’s study can still be visited along with the rest of the breathtaking castle. During middle ages, the legendary Battle of the Bards was also held at the Wartburg.

Music has always been a focal point of the castle and so today the venue is renowned for an outstanding series of concerts from April to December.  In the 19th century, students from all over Germany came to Wartburg Castle with the aim of unifying the German states. The colours and design of the German flag were decided upon during these summits. Finally, in 1999, the castle was chosen to become a member of the World Heritage Sites.

• more information about Wartburg Castle

Hainich National Park

Visitors can also enjoy largely unspoilt nature in Europe's largest coherent deciduous forest, the Hainich National Park with its unique Treetop Trail. 2011 the Hainich was chosen to be member of the prestigious list of UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Fascinating forest landscapes in one of the most primal of German forests, a piece of unused wilderness, with rare species like wild cats, seven types of woodpecker and numerous beetles and mushrooms.

• more information about the Hainich