Day Trip to Eisenach and Wartburg from Erfurt or Leipzig

To take a day trip from Erfurt or Leipzig to Eisenach and Wartburg Castle, the most efficient method is by train. Both starting points have frequent train connections to Eisenach, with the journey being significantly shorter from Erfurt. Once in Eisenach, you can take a local bus or walk to the castle.

Both cities are feasible starting points, but for a comfortable and flexible day trip, Erfurt is the clear winner.

From Erfurt: You are only 30-50 minutes away by train. This gives you ample time to explore Wartburg Castle at a leisurely pace and still have time to see the historic town of Eisenach.
From Leipzig: This is a longer journey, at 1.5 to 2 hours each way by train. It is definitely doable, but it will be a long day with a tighter schedule.

Here is a quick comparison:

Starting Point	Travel Mode	One-Way Journey Time	Frequency
Erfurt Hbf	Train (ICE, RE)	28 – 50 minutes	Very frequent (every 30-60 min)
Leipzig Hbf	Train (ICE, IC)	1 hr 15 min – 2 hours	Frequent (direct or 1 change)

Step-by-Step Guide for Your Day Trip

Here are the logistics for planning your day.

Getting to Eisenach

From Erfurt: Take a regional (RE) or high-speed (ICE) train from Erfurt Hauptbahnhof (Hbf) to Eisenach Hauptbahnhof (Hbf). It’s a short and direct journey.
From Leipzig: Your best option is the direct Intercity (IC) or ICE train from Leipzig Hbf to Eisenach Hbf, which takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes. Other connections may require a transfer (often in Erfurt) and take closer to 2 hours.

Getting from Eisenach Station to Wartburg Castle

The castle sits on a steep hill about 2.5 km (1.6 miles) from the train station. You have three main options to get to the top.

By Bus (Recommended):
- This is the easiest public transport option.
- From the Eisenach train station (Hbf/ZOB), find Bus Line 3 (Wartburgmobil).
- The bus takes about 15-20 minutes from the “Karlsplatz” stop (a short walk from the station) up to the “Wartburg” stop, which is near the castle entrance/shuttle.
- Important: Check the schedule. This bus can run infrequently (sometimes only every 1-3 hours), so plan your train arrival around it.
By Foot (The Scenic Route):
- If you’re feeling active, you can hike up to the castle.
- The walk is beautiful and takes about 30-60 minutes. The path is well-marked and “friendly,” but it is all uphill.
By Taxi:
- This is the fastest and most expensive option.
- A taxi from the station will get you to the castle’s parking lot in about 5-7 minutes.

Planning Your Wartburg Castle Visit

This is the most important part of your planning, as the tour system is specific.

Free Areas: You can walk through the castle’s outer courtyards and drawbridge for free. The views from here are stunning.
Interior Rooms (Palas): To see the famous interior rooms (like the Sängersaal and the room where Martin Luther translated the New Testament), you must buy a ticket.

Understanding the Tour System:

Before 3:20 PM (15:20): You can only visit the interior as part of a guided tour. These tours are primarily in German and run frequently.
English Guided Tour: There is typically only one English-language guided tour per day, usually at 1:30 PM (13:30).
After 3:20 PM (15:20): You are allowed to visit the interior rooms independently (self-guided) until closing.

Pro-Tip: If you don’t speak German or can’t make the 1:30 PM English tour, plan your visit so you arrive at the castle in the afternoon. This way, you can explore the free grounds first and then enter the interior for a self-guided tour after 3:20 PM.

Opening Hours (Approximate):

Summer (End of March – Early Nov):
- Castle Grounds: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Interior/Tours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (last admission ~4:00 PM)
Winter (Early Nov – Mid-March):
- Castle Grounds: Shorter hours (gate closes at 5:00 PM)
- Interior/Tours: 9:30 AM – 3:30 PM

Eisenach Town

If you have time (especially if starting from Erfurt), the town of Eisenach is also the birthplace of Johann Sebastian Bach. You can visit the Bach House Museum or see the Luther House, both of which are excellent.

If you’re looking for more Thuringia blog like What to See at the Bach House Museum in Eisenach and Visiting the Drachenschlucht Gorge near Eisenach subscribe to join us.