Dubbed the ‘Green Heart of Germany’, Thuringia is a captivating region, offering an extraordinary blend of natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. Famed for its dense forests, medieval towns, and profound intellectual legacy, this central German region has been home to luminaries like Johann Sebastian Bach, Martin Luther, and Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. You’ll find traces of this illustrious past at many of the best places to stay in Thuringia, which range from charming guesthouses to stunning historic hotels.
Begin your explorations in Erfurt, the regional capital, which boasts a beautifully preserved medieval old town, studded with half-timbered houses and Gothic churches. Eisenach, to the west, is known for the iconic Wartburg Castle, where Martin Luther translated the New Testament; the city also hosts the annual Bach Music Festival. Weimar, the area’s other hub, has close associations with the Enlightenment, and is filled with museums as well as marvellous architecture.
Outdoorsy types will adore the Thuringian Forest’s hiking and cycling trails, as well as the opportunities for adventure in the Hainich National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the last remaining deciduous forests in Europe. This is a deservedly popular region, whether during the sunlit summer months or the lively Christmas market season. Book your room at one of the best places to stay in Thuringia well in advance!