For curious people

With its palm trees, olive trees and eleven parks and themed gardens, Bad Langensalza truly is a verdant town.

“Paths are silent guides,” says Andreas Pahl, quoting the great landscape gardener Prince Pückler and points to a romantic, moss-covered stone structure flanked by a curved bridge – a picture-perfect ruin. The spruce trees nearby were by no means coincidental either. Weimar’s green spaces are admirable!

Located on the outskirts of the state capital Erfurt, directly in the countryside, #Bachstelzenflavour impresses with delicious, regional and handmade cuisine that makes even die-hard gourmets' mouths water.

The evening sun peeks out from beneath the clouds, bathing Jena in a soft red glow. All of a sudden, the rain of the day is forgotten. A warm gust of wind carries with it the beautiful sound of singing from below: Dutch singer Caro Emerald is giving a concert in the theatre square on this Friday evening in July.

Erfurt, the Thuringian state capital, is famous for its centuries-old horticultural tradition, first established in the 1800s by Christian Reichart, the Thuringian who raised plant cultivation in Germany to a professional level. Later there were major Erfurt horticultural dynasties such as Blumenschmidt, Haage and Chrestensen, and specific Thuringian plant and flower varieties. Erfurt’s success as a centre of gardening and growing has left its mark in many places. Although I have been here for more than ten years, I still have plenty to learn about the city I call home, as is so often the case. So with the help of the Thuringia.MyCulture. digital travel guide I’m embarking on a tour of discovery of ‘Erfurt – city of flowers’.

The sun is shining, the backpacks and sturdy shoes are ready to go. This weekend, we’ve got a leisurely family outing planned. We’re off to Saalfeld, to the Fairy Grottoes World of Adventure, and we’re getting quite excited about it.

If someone mentions Thuringia, the first things that come to my mind are bratwurst sausages, the Thuringian Forest with the Rennsteig Trail, and tasty Thuringian dumplings – but palaces? Not so much.

The enchanting moment lasts just under seven seconds. A bell rings - and the curtains move with a gentle rattle as if moved by magic. The cliffs rise up, and the forest approaches. Afterwards the opera begins without interruption. Welcome to the small Baroque world of the Ekhof Theatre in Gotha, a cradle of modernday theatre culture!

Rambling roses and old fruit trees are a common sight in the middle valley of the Ilm river, which flows at a leisurely pace past rolling hills, idyllic villages and meadows buzzing with bees – perfect for a laid-back cycling trip.

Ever wondered what a primeval forest looks like from above? Find out on the treetop trail in Hainich National Park. But hang on a minute, a primeval forest in the heart of Thuringia? Don’t worry, you won’t need to channel your inner Indiana Jones and battle your way through a jungle. Comfortable shoes and a sense of adventure are all you need for this memorable trip.

Come along, down into the cold depth of the cellar. But remember to keep your head down and watch where you put your feet. These stone steps have been worn out over hundreds of years. We are headed into the interior of a bridge pier.

A confectioners where those with a sweet tooth can actually make, decorate and, of course, also eat their own chocolates – is there such a thing? Yes, the Viba Nougat World in Schmalkalden offers a chocolate making experience! It also offers much more, from a restaurant to a nougat exhibition and being able to go for a stroll in a park where primarily all sorts of nut trees grow. Essentially, you'll meet hazelnuts in all of their states here...

Lange Bruecke in Erfurt is home to small independent shops full of charm and character – unique stores that are not part of a big chain and offer a shopping experience with a personal touch. Come and join us as we explore this delightful street and meet the friendly faces behind the shopfronts.

In the small village of Kaatschen, one timber-framed house follows another. The Saale river flows along one side, while on the other the hills are covered in vines. The entrance to the village is a glorious sight as you cross the Saale river on a stone bridge into the district of Grossheringen. This idyllic spot is home to the Zahn winegrowing estate, and behind its wooden gates lies the restaurant with its inviting terrace. Here, vines grow above the heads of the guests to create a natural green roof.

If you think the days when making a wish used to work have long since gone, think again! Deep down below a mountain in Thuringia you can still find magical beings who will take you on a journey to a world where dreams come true.

Thuringia’s capital is famous for the Merchants’ Bridge, the cathedral and other historical sights. But there is much more to be discovered on a stroll around the city: quiet corners, green spaces and quaint shops run by charming people.

You want to enjoy the beautiful weather, but still get to know one of Erfurt's highlights? No problem. The charm of Erfurt Cathedral is also accessible from the outside. For the monumental impression, the best way to get to the cathedral square is through the narrow Mettengasse. Then the aha effect is greater. The Domberg on the west side of the square is then directly in front of you. On top of it two churches. Why are there two? That could be a longer story. We try to make it short and give you rather three tips for a "cathedral experience from the outside".

Have you ever deliberately smashed a plate? I’ve only done it accidentally, and then cursed myself for losing a piece of my lovely crockery. But when I visited Leuchtenburg Castle I did just that – I broke some porcelain on purpose! And along the way I saw and experienced even more curious things …

A lucky skywalk, party time by the river and a night in a shiny caravan – all this and more awaits along the Saale Cycle Route.