One Of The Most Historic Destinations In Germany Looks Like A Fairytale Town

If you want to enjoy towns and cities that look like they're straight out of a fairytale then Germany is the European country for you. Weimar is one such city that is so steeped in culture and in such a beautiful setting, that the best way to see it is via horse and carriage. From there, you can view its river, parks, and its many beautiful buildings. Its architecture evokes a different time and the market square even houses twinning Renaissance buildings, one of which was a studio for influential Renaissance period painter Lucas Cranach the Elder. Elsewhere the old town hall and city palace will also capture your imagination. If you want to see Germany as memorialized in storybooks, then this is the place for you.

This East German city was, at one time, a cultural powerhouse for the country, housing intellectuals such as Friedrich Schiller and Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. Since then, it has embraced the positive and negative parts of its history by preserving its heritage for the next generations. This has made this picturesque city popular with tourists who love history. As the best way to take in the scenic beauty of Germany is by car, add Weimar to your itinerary as there is much to see here.

Weimar was also a political hub for the country, hence the birth of "The Weimar Republic" and, after a period of unrest, it became a breeding ground for Nazi ideology. However, it later lost its status as the capital of the Thuringia state and the city of Erfurt was awarded it instead. Now its most important attraction is the one that memorializes the Holocaust, and that is the Buchenwald Memorial. This former concentration camp is a 15-minute drive from Weimar and worth taking the time to visit.

If you're interested in getting to know some of the city's famous residents, you can visit the former homes of poet Friedrich Schiller, composer Franz Liszt, and writer Johann Wolfgang von Goethe's Garden House. Goethe also has the Goethe National Museum dedicated to him. At the Neues Museum you can find out about Weimar's art history and the Bauhaus Museum can tell you all about the famous work of architect Walter Gropius. Park an der Ilm is a great place for a stroll, and it has the historic Tempelherrenhaus ruins and Roman House to observe during your wander. You can get a sense of Weimar's history just from walking its streets, but by staying in one of its old buildings you can discover even more.

As Weimar has spellbound tourists for many years, it has more than its fair share of charming accommodations. The Boutique-Hotel Amalienhof is a highly rated, historic hotel located near several of the city's museums. Aside from its Old World vibes, the delicious breakfast buffet is popular among travelers.

The second highest-rated is the Best Western Premier Grand Hotel Russischer Hof, housed in another of Weimar's old historic buildings. It is pet-friendly, with an EV charging station, a small gym, and a steam room. Visitors also enjoy it for the central location and tasty breakfast selection. Another great option is Dorint Am Goethepark Weimar, a beautifully furnished Bauhaus and Art Nouveau-style hotel. It is located next to the Goethe House and opposite the park, and features a spa for guests to focus on wellness and relaxation. This elegant hotel is also known for its impressive restaurant offering regional specialties from a five-course menu — so you certainly won't be hungry in Weimar. Once you've booked your trip to Germany, all you need to do is learn some essential words and phrases before you go.