MERIAN Thüringen

Small country with great mindsLuther, Goethe, Schiller, Bach, Liszt and the Bauhaus pioneer Walter Gropius: over the centuries, Thuringia has provided decisive impulses that have shaped German history, literature, music and architecture. The "green heart" of Germany is now spotlighting its strengths: the venerable town of Weimar, for example, is still home to a young, creative scene. On the occasion of the anniversary of the Reformation in 2017, Martin Luther's heritage is being enthusiastically preserved and celebrated. Visitors touring the state in Luther's footsteps will not only experience historical sites like Wartburg Castle towering high above Eisenach but also magnificent landscapes. Whether it is the spectacular Dragon's Gorge or the vast Thuringian Forest: the state is an ideal travel destination for culture enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.Our main topics: Reformation: Martin Luther brought new freedom to the people with his translation of the Bible: a 28-page dossier focuses on his life, his works and his spiritual companionsWeimar: Goethe, Schiller and the talents of today. The author Karen Köhler writes about a city where culture is still the name of the gameNational Park: High above Hainich, a canopy walkway leads through the treetops of Thuringia's primeval forest Bauhaus: What is it like living in one of Walter Gropius' architectural icons? We paid a visit to the owners of Haus Auerbach in JenaHiking: Experience nature on the Rennsteig, Germany's most beautiful ridge walk