Written by Celine Fournier, Elsa Holm, Felix Schmidt, Finn Weber, Sandrine Simon
16/09/2025
Alyona Nagel, Pexels
Weimar, Germany, is a distinguished destination revered for its deep connections to German classical literature, particularly through figures like Goethe and Schiller. It is also celebrated as the birthplace of the influential Bauhaus art movement. The city offers a rich tapestry of art, architecture, and history, holding dual UNESCO World Heritage status for both its classical heritage and Bauhaus sites.
Weimar is primarily a cultural and historical destination that attracts visitors keen on exploring its museums, historical residences, and tranquil parks. While the historical 'Weimar Republic' era is associated with a vibrant nightlife, particularly in Berlin, Weimar itself is not recognized for a strong social scene or dedicated districts for backpackers or party-goers.
Top 6 Things to do in Weimar
Weimar offers a curated selection of historical residences, art museums, and tranquil parks, allowing visitors to delve into Germany's rich cultural heritage.
1. Duchess Anna Amalia Library (Herzogin Anna Amalia Bibliothek)
One can visit this magnificent Baroque library, a UNESCO World Heritage site, particularly its stunning Rococo Hall. This iconic hall houses a significant collection of classical and romantic literature. Due to conservation efforts, entry is limited, making it advisable to book tickets in advance. One can admire the architectural grandeur and the vast collection of historical books.
Cost: Adults: €8, Reduced: €6, Pupils (16-20 years): €3. A combo ticket is available. Free with the Weimar Card.
Transport: This library is centrally located and easily accessible on foot from most parts of Weimar's city center.
2. Goethe's House and National Museum (Goethes Wohnhaus und Nationalmuseum)
Explore the former residence of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, where he lived and worked for nearly 50 years. This house, part of the UNESCO World Heritage 'Classical Weimar', is preserved with original furnishings, allowing one to step back in time and visualize the poet's life and work. The highlight is his authentic study and private library.
Cost: Adults: €13, Reduced: €9, Pupils (16-20 years): €4. Free with the Weimar Card.
Transport: Goethe's House is situated in the city center and is within comfortable walking distance of other major attractions.
3. Bauhaus Museum Weimar
Discover the birthplace of the influential Bauhaus art movement at this modern museum. It houses the world's oldest collection of Bauhaus treasures, showcasing the early experimental phase of this design school and its enduring impact on art, design, and architecture.
Cost: Adults: €10, Reduced: €7, Pupils (16-20 years): €4. Free with the Weimar Card.
Transport: The Bauhaus Museum is conveniently located on Stéphane-Hessel-Platz, easily reachable on foot from Weimar's city center.
4. Schiller's Residence (Schillers Wohnhaus)
Visit the house where Friedrich Schiller, another towering figure of German literature, spent his final years and wrote some of his famous plays. The residence displays original items, including his desk and bed, offering intimate insights into the poet's daily life and creative process.
Cost: Adults: €8, Reduced: €6, Pupils (16-20 years): €3. Free with the Weimar Card.
Transport: This historical home is located centrally in Weimar and is easily explored by walking.
5. Park an der Ilm and Goethe's Garden House (Goethes Gartenhaus)
Take a leisurely stroll through the expansive English-style Park an der Ilm, a verdant oasis co-designed by Goethe himself. Within the park, one can find Goethe's Garden House, a simpler residence that offered him a retreat and inspiration. The park itself provides a serene environment with historical elements, perfect for relaxation and enjoying nature.
Cost: Access to the Park an der Ilm is free. Entry to Goethe's Garden House is included with the Weimar Card or individual ticket (typically nominal, often included with Goethe's House tickets implicitly, but can require a time-slot).
Transport: The park begins close to the city center and is easily walkable. Goethe's Garden House is located within the park.
6. Belvedere Castle and Park (Schloss und Park Belvedere)
Just outside the city center, Belvedere Castle stands as a grand Baroque summer residence. One can explore the castle, which now functions as a museum displaying 18th-century arts and crafts, including exquisite porcelain. The extensive, beautifully landscaped park surrounding the castle is perfect for a relaxing walk, offering splendid views and a sense of aristocratic grandeur.
Cost: Individual adult admission is approximately €7 (derived from Weimar Card inclusions). Free with the Weimar Card.
Transport: Belvedere Castle is about 4 kilometers from Weimar's center. One can take the hourly Line 1 bus from Wielandplatz to Weimar, Belvedere, with a journey taking around 9-12 minutes. A standard single bus ticket costs around €1-€2, or it is free with the Weimar Card. Alternatively, a taxi ride takes about 10 minutes and costs approximately €19-€24.
At TFA Travel we believe in travel for all. Our mission is to enable people to explore the world as easily as possible without having to pay a travel agent a huge commission.
Our typical audience are those that want to see something new and get involved with authentic experiences of a country. Whether you are a backpacker, solo traveller, solo female traveller, straight or LGBTQ+ couple, family, you will find local and authentic experiences here.
/waren_(müritz)_filewaren_mueritz_23.jpg)
