'A winning combination of culture and nature': exploring Germany’s green heart by bus
From ancient forests to spas, medieval cities and the birthplace of Bauhaus, Thuringia packs a punch for a car-free autumn break
TL;DR
- Thuringia, known as the 'green heart of Germany', offers a mix of dense forests, intellectual heritage, and hearty cuisine.
- The exploration focused on using public transport, with coach and bus journeys connecting key locations.
- Key sites visited include Erfurt (Domplatz, Krämerbrücke, Petersberg Citadel, Augustinian monastery), Weimar (Bauhaus museum, former art school buildings), Bad Langensalza (spa town with gardens), and Hainich National Park (ancient beech forests, Baumkronenpfad walkway).
- Historical context is provided for sites, including Erfurt's woad trade history and Martin Luther's connection to the city.
- The natural aspects of Thuringia are emphasized, particularly the ancient beech forests of Hainich National Park, part of a Unesco world heritage site, and the spa town's gardens and thermal springs.
- The trip successfully combined cultural experiences with nature exploration, accessible via short bus rides.