Eisenach Overview

Birthplace of Johann Sebastian Bach, residence-in-exile of Martin Luther, and site of the famous Wartburg castle, Eisenach (pop. 44,000) has garnered national and international attention for almost a millennium. Tourists started visiting the castle as early as the 16th century, primarily to see the black stain that Luther supposedly made on the wall of his small room while “fighting the devil with ink.” By the 19th century, Wartburg, one of Goethe’s favorite spots, had became a national symbol. Eisenach is also the perfect place to start a journey into the Thuringian Forest to the south or the Hainich National Park to the north. Buses run from Eisenach to the heads of various trails (the distance is also bikeable), and unlike Wartburg, the national park is refreshingly undiscovered. Goethe came for the scenery, though he hated the castle itself—or the “old dirty box,” as he so eloquently put it. Pilgrims coming to the Lutherstube have carved their names into the wood all around the door.

• Transportation And Practical Information

Trains go to Eisenach from Bebra in the west (45min., every hr.), Meiningen in the south (1hr., every hr.), and Erfurt in the east (50min., every 30min.). Buses (20min., every hr.) go to Wartburg from ...more

• Accommodations And Food

For groceries, head to the Edeka, Johannispl. 2-4. (Open M-F ­7am-­5pm. Sa ­7am-­4pm.) The centrally located La Fontana 2 , Georgenstr. 22, serves pizzas, pastas, and salads (€3-5) on ...more

• Sights

The castle perches 200m above Eisenach’s half-timbered streets and lords over the northwestern slope of the rolling Thüringer Wald. It was founded in 1067 by the Franconian Count Ludwig the Jumper, ...more