Thuringia 2026: You Must Know Before You Go

Welcome to the Green Heart of Germany.

2026 is a standout year to visit Thuringia (Thüringen). While the region is timelessly famous for Martin Luther, J.S. Bach, and the Bauhaus movement, 2026 brings specific major events, critical transportation updates, and unique anniversaries that you won’t want to miss.

Top Events & Anniversaries in 2026

Landesgartenschau 2026 (State Garden Show)

• Where: Leinefelde-Worbis (Eichsfeld region)
• When: April – October 2026
• Why Go: This is the biggest event of the year. The “LaGa” transforms the city into a massive floral and landscape architecture exhibition. Expect spectacular themed gardens, daily open-air concerts, and a focus on sustainable urban living. It’s a perfect day trip for nature lovers and families.

250 Years of Goethe in Weimar (The “Faust” Theme)

• Where: Weimar
• Context: The 2025/2026 cultural season marks 250 years since Johann Wolfgang von Goethe arrived in Weimar (1775), changing the city forever.
• What to Expect: The Klassik Stiftung Weimar is running a massive theme year focused on “Faust.” Expect special theater productions of Faust, unique exhibitions at the Goethe National Museum, and “Goethe.Kultur.Lauf” events. It is a deep dive into the soul of German literature.

Thuringian Bach Weeks (Thüringer Bachwochen)

• Where: Erfurt, Eisenach, Arnstadt, Weimar
• When: March – April 2026 (Easter Season)
• The Experience: Germany’s largest classical music festival dedicated to J.S. Bach. Concerts are performed in the original churches and halls where Bach actually worked and composed.
• 2026 Highlight: Look for special performances in the Georgenkirche in Eisenach (where Bach was baptized).

DomStufen-Festspiele (Cathedral Steps Festival)

• Where: Erfurt (Cathedral Square)
• When: August 2026
• The Show: Every summer, the 70 monumental steps leading up to Erfurt’s Cathedral and the Church of St. Severi are turned into a stage.
• 2026 Production: Jesus Christ Superstar. Watching this rock opera against the backdrop of the illuminated 800-year-old cathedral is an unforgettable experience. Book tickets months in advance.

Thuringian Chor Treasures (Chorschätze)

• Where: Various castles and residences (Schatzkammer Thüringen)
• When: June 2026
• What: A major choral festival filling the historic orangeries, castle courtyards, and churches of the region with vocal music.

Essential Travel & Transport Updates (2026)

The “Paris Connection”

A game-changer for international travelers: The direct TGV/ICE connection between Berlin and Paris (introduced late 2025) is scheduled to include a stop in Erfurt.

• Impact: You can potentially travel from Paris to Thuringia’s capital in under 5 hours without changing trains.

The Deutschlandticket Price Hike

The famous “49-Euro-Ticket” (valid for all regional trains, trams, and buses across Germany) is expected to increase in price in January 2026.

• Expected Price: Approx. €63 – €64 per month.
• Advice: It is still the best value if you plan to travel between cities (e.g., Erfurt to Weimar to Eisenach) and use local trams over a 3-4 day period.

Construction Warnings (Rail)

• Hamburg to Berlin: A major “Generalsanierung” (general renovation) of the rail line between Hamburg and Berlin will be ongoing until April 2026. If you are arriving from Hamburg, expect diversions and longer travel times (approx. +60 mins).
• Thuringian Mountain Railway (Oberweißbacher Bergbahn):
  • Closures: Planned maintenance is scheduled for March 2026 and August–November 2026.
  • Alternative: Rail replacement buses (SEV) usually run, but the nostalgic funicular experience will be unavailable during these windows.

Top Destinations: What to See

1. Erfurt: The Medieval Capital

• Vibe: A perfectly preserved medieval city with a young soul (thanks to the university).
• Must-Do: Walk the Krämerbrücke (Merchants’ Bridge), the longest inhabited bridge in Europe. It’s lined with artisans, chocolatiers, and cafes.
• 2026 Tip: Visit the Petersberg Citadel for the best view of the city. The interactive visitor center there is excellent.

2. Weimar: The Cultural Heart

• Vibe: Intellectual, aristocratic, and park-filled. UNESCO World Heritage sites are everywhere.
• Must-Do: The Anna Amalia Library (Rococo Hall). Important: You must book your time slot 3-4 months in advance; tickets sell out instantly.
• Also: Visit the Bauhaus Museum for a modernist contrast to all the classical history.

3. Eisenach: Luther & Bach

• Vibe: Historic and surrounded by forests.
• Must-Do: Wartburg Castle. This is where Martin Luther hid and translated the New Testament. It is arguably the most historically significant castle in Germany.
• For Music Lovers: The Bachhaus museum is world-class, featuring live performances on historic instruments every hour.

4. Mühlhausen: The City of Gates & Sausages

• Vibe: Off the beaten path, medieval fortifications.
• Must-Do: Walk the walkable city walls.
• The Bratwurst Museum: Located here (moved from Holzhausen recently). It’s a fun, slightly kitschy, but tasty tribute to Thuringia’s #1 export.

5. Thuringian Forest (Thüringer Wald)

• Vibe: Deep green forests, slate-roofed villages, and hiking.
• Activity: Hike a section of the Rennsteig (Germany’s oldest long-distance trail).
• Winter Special (Jan/Feb 2026): Visit the Thüringer Glitzerwelt at Stausee Hohenfelden—a magical light park and winter wonderland perfect for cold evenings.

Food & Drink: The “Must Eats”

Thuringian cuisine is hearty, heavy, and delicious.

1. Thüringer Rostbratwurst:
   • The Rule: It must be 15-20cm long, grilled over charcoal, and served in a bun with local mustard (Born Senf). Never ketchup.
2. Thüringer Klöße (Dumplings):
   • The Dish: Large potato dumplings often filled with croutons (“Weckbröckchen”).
   • Where: Best eaten at a traditional Gasthaus with Rouladen (beef rolls) and red cabbage.
3. Blechkuchen (Sheet Cake):
   • Thuringians are famous for huge rectangular cakes. Try Schmandkuchen (sour cream cake) or Mohnkuchen (poppy seed).
4. Wines of Saale-Unstrut:
   • Thuringia borders the northernmost wine region in Germany. Try a glass of dry Müller-Thurgau or Silvaner in the vineyards near Bad Sulza.

Suggested 5-Day Itinerary (2026 Edition)

• Day 1: Erfurt. Arrive (perhaps via the new Paris/Berlin train). Explore the Old Town, Krämerbrücke, and Cathedral. Dinner at a brewery like Zum Güldenen Rade.
• Day 2: Weimar. Take the 15-min train to Weimar. Morning: Goethe House. Afternoon: Park an der Ilm and Bauhaus Museum. Evening: Theater performance (Faust theme).
• Day 3: Leinefelde-Worbis (Garden Show). Day trip to the Landesgartenschau. Enjoy the flowers and sustainable architecture exhibits.
• Day 4: Eisenach. Train to Eisenach. Morning hike up to Wartburg Castle. Afternoon: Bachhaus Museum.
• Day 5: The Forest. Rent a car or take the train to Oberhof or the Schwarzatal. If not during maintenance (see above), ride the Bergbahn. End with a Bratwurst by the fire.

Enjoy your trip to Thuringia in 2026!