Thuringia is the geographical centre of Germany - a mountainous region comprising the Thüringer Wald (forest) and the Thüringisches Schiefergebirge (Thüringen slate mountains).
Its capital Erfurt has one of the best-preserved medieval city centres in Germany. Houses of rich merchants and lovely timber-framed houses convey an idyllic feel. Erfurt is known for its Krämerbrücke, a 120-metre-long bridge, lined all the way with shops and dwellings - the longest bridge of its kind in Europe.



The Wartburg in Eisenach is another famous landmark in Thuringia. The castle, high above the town, is the place where Martin Luther translated the New Testament into German. The castle is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The town of Eisenach is also the birthplace of Johann Sebastian Bach. The house where he is said to have entered this world is now a museum.



Only 10 kilometres away lies the small town of Creuzburg. Creuzburg castle is a sister to the Wartburg. Creuzburg has one of the oldest stone-built bridges in Germany.
Between Eisenach and Erfurt lies the former ducal seat of Gotha. The town is dominated by the imposing Friedenstein Palace, the largest early baroque palace in Germany.