Weimar
Weimar
Located in central Germany, the small city of Weimar is a cultural heavyweight. Associated with the German Enlightenment, the city was once home to luminaries like Goethe and Schiller; in the 20th century, the Bauhaus movement was established here. Today, Weimar boasts several UNESCO World Heritage sites that reflect its legacy.
The basics
One of Germany’s most important centers of cultural heritage—despite its small scale—scenic Weimar has long maintained an intellectual and artistic reputation. Many of the country's most important have spent time here, from Goethe to Bach, Liszt to Nietzsche. Myriad museums, landmarks, and monuments reflect their legacy—including highlights like the Goethe National Museum, the Bauhaus Museum, and the Neues Museum—while the region’s darker history is commemorated at the Buchenwald Memorial.
In addition to its cultural landmarks, Weimar is also celebrated for parks like the UNESCO-listed Park an der Ilm, historical landmarks like the Tiefurt House estate (also a UNESCO World Heritage Site), and the traditional architecture of its Old Town. The city’s small scale makes it easy to explore independently.
Things to know before you go
Weimar is a popular destination for classical music lovers and offers a regular roster of concerts (including the annual Bach Biennial and Liszt Biennial).
Weimar’s tourist information center is at Markt 10 and offers advice, navigation help, and other guidance.
Owing to its cobbled streets and historical buildings, parts of Weimar may be difficult for wheelchair users to access.
How to get there
Weimar is located in the central German state of Thuringia. It is roughly 80 miles (130 kilometers) from Leipzig, 124 miles (200 kilometers) from Dresden, and 151 miles (243 kilometers) from Nuremberg; train services link it with those hubs. Weimar’s accessible scale and wealth of scenery make it ideal for exploring on foot or by bike.
When to get there
There’s never a bad time to visit Weimar: Its parks and castles are ideal for summer exploration, while its many museums are best discovered during the winter. The city is particularly popular during several major annual events, including the Onion Festival (held every October, dating to 1653) and the holiday season when its Christmas market is held.
Weimar’s UNESCO World Heritage sites
Weimar has two major UNESCO World Heritage sites—Classical Weimar and Bauhaus Weimar—each comprising several individual landmarks. Highlights of the former include the Goethe Gartenhaus, Schiller Residence, Herzogin Anna Amalia Library, and Weimar’s City Palace. The latter highlights include Bauhaus University's main building and the Haus am Horn house.
Travel Like an Expert with AAA and Trip Canvas
Get Ideas from the Pros
As one of the largest travel agencies in North America, we have a wealth of recommendations to share! Browse our articles and videos for inspiration, or dive right in with preplanned AAA Road Trips, cruises and vacation tours.
Build and Research Your Options
Save and organize every aspect of your trip including cruises, hotels, activities, transportation and more. Book hotels confidently using our AAA Diamond Designations and verified reviews.
Book Everything in One Place
From cruises to day tours, buy all parts of your vacation in one transaction, or work with our nationwide network of AAA Travel Agents to secure the trip of your dreams!