The Wartburg in winter has an unmistakeable aura and brooding presence. We visited in winter and due to the icy conditions, buses were not running and the steep slippery paths would be very dificult for some visitors. The tour was only offered in German and a written english version was handed out. We had to tag along with the tour... more

In 1995 I visited my cousin and his family in Arnstadt. It was quite an eye-opener to see how the people of the former East Germany still lived at that time. My cousin himself was from West Berlin and worked in construction in the Arnstadt area. I was quite overcome by the odor of raw sewage that assaulted me as... more

The feudal-era Wartburg Castle in Eisenach was famous for promoting arts and music, and being the scene for part of Wagner's Opera, Tanheuser. It's also one of the best preserved castles in Europe. Music performances are still being taped here, and the guided tours are very professional. It's famous for being the site of where Martin Luther translated the New... more