Goethe and Schiller, Bach and Liszt, Bauhaus and Buchenwald – that is Weimar, a small residence town in the middle of Europe where ideas and artworks took their path into the world. The fascination of this pretty city captured many great spirits who dreamed of an arcadia for humanity but were unable to prevent totalitarian horror. That is Weimar, and during the summer it has yet another dimension: an open city landscape surrounded by greenery, parks and a river that is ever moving, pulsing and full of life just like the city itself. In the little alleys in front of the palace and mansions, there is abundance of art and music everywhere, including history, stages and film. The whole summer promises an up close look at contemporary life that is authentic, intelligent and uncomplicated.

The 360° panorama is dedicated to the events that took place 500 years ago, in the very city where Martin Luther started the Reformation. The scenes of the panorama bring Lutherstadt Wittenberg to life. Visitors can look for some of the most famous inhabitants during the Reformation, the Great Reformer himself and other important Reformation Heroes in the scenes of this important LutherCity.

The new Schmalkaldic League, an alliance of 16 Protestant princes who pledged to defend each other against Catholic opposition, assembled in the Schmalkalden Town Hall in 1537. The assembly, or diet, was led by Martin Luther and Philipp Melanchthon and was a roll call of Europe's rich and famous, with 42 Evangelist theologians present. The Articles of Faith presented by Luther during the meeting were incorporated into the Evangelical Church’s Book of Concord. Today, priests are still ordained with the Schmalkalden Articles of Faith.

The Wittenberg Renaissance Music Festival takes place every year in the week before Reformation Day. It celebrates Lutherstadt Wittenberg as the cradle of the Reformation and of the evangelical church music. It also portrays the artistic, culinary and musical aspects of the Renaissance. In the context of the diversified program, renowned local and international artists will be awaited for the festival in Lutherstadt Wittenberg. Concerts, dancing courses, various workshops, a colorful festival and the infamous Renaissance ball will contribute to a unique experience.

Mansfeld celebrates the Luther trail.

Many sites in LutherCountry turn into the perfect location for breathtaking concerts during the MDR Music Summer. Enjoy various concerts in the historical atmosphere of Wartburg Castle in LutherCity Eisenach (June 22, July 13, 19, August 2, 16, 30), where Luther translated the Bible into German.

More concerts are taking place in various LutherCities such as Dessau (June 9), Schmalkalden (June 23), Magdeburg (June 29, July 5), Muehlhausen (July 21), Erfurt (July 25), Weimar (July 26, August 18) and Halle (August 31).

A museum since the mid-1950s, Luther House in Eisenach invites visitors to explore the permanent exhibition "Luther and the Bible", which features historic treasures, surprising perspectives and innovative takes on the exciting Reformation history.

This unique festival, an open-air spectacle on the cathedral steps, has been in existence since 1994. Each year the Theater Erfurt brings a new performance to the Cathedral Square, set before the impressive 700-year-old backdrop of the St. Mary's Cathedral and St. Severi Church, a medieval church ensemble. The summer event highlight has already inspired several hundred thousand visitors to make a pilgrimage to what is certainly Thuringia's most beautiful open-air stage. For quite some time viewers have traveled not only from Germany, but also from many other European countries, as well as from the USA, China and Australia.

From 7 pm many of the city’s famous but also less known places and buildings will be illuminated colorfully. The evening will be celebrated with live music at open air stages, at courtyards and inside museums and other unusual locations. Tickets can be purchased online in advance or at the box-office at the evening. 

Click on the link for further information (German only).

The best way to enjoy LutherCountry on a warm summer night is to visit one of its many festivals! Lights, reflections on the water, and the illuminated castle and landscape – you will find all this and much more at the Lantern Festival in Halle (Saale).

The traditional wine festival is held in honor of Goethe's birthday. A wine village at the Market Square invites visitors to taste wines and many more culinary specialties. With a little bit of luck you might also have the opportunity to meet the wine queens of the different regions.

Dessau is the German city of Bauhaus architecture. Nowhere else can you see so many Bauhaus-style buildings in such close proximity. Various theater productions and performances are dedicated to all kinds of color and shape during the Bauhaus Festival.

Onion cake, onion soup, onion bread, onion salad and the list goes on. The onion is everywhere you look this weekend in Weimar. Every year it attracts more than 300,000 visitors who travel to Weimar to find out just why local residents celebrate this special vegetable. With a little bit of luck you might even meet the onion Queen.

Lutherstadt Wittenberg stages a major Reformation Day festival, starting with a 10 a.m. service in the city's two main churches, the Castle Church, where Luther nailed up the 95 Theses on October 31, 1517, and the St. Mary's Town Church, where Luther preached and was married. Confirmation candidates from around the world are invited to confirm their faith at moving services in these historical churches, known for the quality of their music and singing.

Afterwards, the cobblestone streets of the city come alive with a parade and street theater, with concerts and exhibitions in the ancient buildings.

Lutherstadt Eisleben will be crowded with medieval dressed people such as craftsmen and jugglers. Come and celebrate Luther's Birthday with us. A medieval spectacle with traditional medieval food and a parade will be held on this day. In the evening a big fire show will entertain the visitors. In many bars in the city center of Eisleben you can taste different types of beer, which was one of Luther's favorite drinks.

If there is one day a year that is enjoyed by families right across LutherCountry, it has to be November 11th. This is Saint Martin's Day, when families in the federal state of Thuringia in Germany celebrate two "Martins": Saint Martin of Tours and Martin Luther.

Both played very important roles in the history of LutherCity Erfurt, with Saint Martin of Tours being the city's patron saint and Martin Luther having been baptized there. In commemoration, local citizens will therefore celebrate St. Martin's Day on November 10th with a big festival featuring old traditions, music and delicious pastries.

The Christmas market in Magdeburg offers its visitors an especially exciting blend of romantic scenery, fabulous winter fun, medieval ambience, and festive evening celebrations. This popular historic Christmas market is a fairytale world come to life, complete with an ice rink and copious amounts of Magdeburg’s delicious mulled wine!

Although Erfurt's Christmas Market spreads throughout the old town, the focus is on the vast Cathedral Square. The 200 market booths sell everything from Thuringian bratwurst (Germany's favorite grilled sausage) and Christmas cookies to handmade toys or traditional, handmade Christmas decorations.

Local artists display their work every first Advent and offer unique Christmas gifts. One highlight of this Christmas market is the Christmas tree. It was in Weimar in 1815, that the first Christmas tree was publicly displayed in Germany. This custom became widely popular and many towns adopted it. Of course, this tradition can still be seen in Weimar, and every year, a Christmas tree is set up to cheer the visitors. After Christmas Eve the magic isn’t over. Till January the Christmas Market turns into a Winter Market.

The Christmas market in Halle (Saale) is one you shouldn’t miss! Gaze upon the town’s famous “Advent Candle”, i.e. the illuminated Red Tower of the Market Church. Here, visitors can savor delicious regional dishes from all around Europe. After first indulging in a bit of mulled wine, eggnog or hot chocolate, guests can purchase one of the reindeer collection mugs as a special keepsake.

In the market square, a statue of Luther looks out across the Christmas market, with its stalls decorated with pine boughs, lights and Christmas ornaments. In the air is the scent of mulled wine and roasted almonds. Across the square is St. Mary’s Church, where Luther preached.

Every year from late November to December, LutherCountry transforms into a Winter Wonderland with various Christmas markets. Traditional food and drinks, local crafts, music and entertainment make it possible to celebrate Christmas the way Martin Luther did 500 years ago!

On three Advent weekends, over twenty of the most beautiful inner courtyards display what is otherwise hidden behind their closed doors. In these intimate, historical settings, rarities and small treasures can be found and enjoyed by all.

Wartburg Castle is where Martin Luther, the Protestant Reformer, changed history, when he translated the New Testament into German. And this UNESCO World Heritage Site just outside Eisenach is still a massively impressive fortress. At the weekends in Advent, however, a Historic Christmas Market transforms the castle, with artists and street performers, craftsmen and knights. Meet candle makers and barrel makers, rope makers and lantern makers, minstrels and puppeteers.

On two Advent weekends, visitors to the Original Lauscha Christmas Baubles Market can stroll past stands adorned with delicate decorations and watch artisans as they create brilliant works of art at Lauscha's Museum of Glass Art. Lauscha is the village where the first glass Christmas tree ornament was produced about 160 years ago.

On three Advent weekends, over twenty of the most beautiful inner courtyards display what is otherwise hidden behind their closed doors. In these intimate, historical settings, rarities and small treasures can be found and enjoyed by all.

Wartburg Castle is where Martin Luther, the Protestant Reformer, changed history, when he translated the New Testament into German. And this UNESCO World Heritage Site just outside Eisenach is still a massively impressive fortress. At the weekends in Advent, however, a Historic Christmas Market transforms the castle, with artists and street performers, craftsmen and knights. Meet candle makers and barrel makers, rope makers and lantern makers, minstrels and puppeteers.

On two Advent weekends, visitors to the Original Lauscha Christmas Baubles Market can stroll past stands adorned with delicate decorations and watch artisans as they create brilliant works of art at Lauscha's Museum of Glass Art. Lauscha is the village where the first glass Christmas tree ornament was produced about 160 years ago.

Medieval Christmas Market at Mansfeld Castle.

On three Advent weekends, over twenty of the most beautiful inner courtyards display what is otherwise hidden behind their closed doors. In these intimate, historical settings, rarities and small treasures can be found and enjoyed by all.

Wartburg Castle is where Martin Luther, the Protestant Reformer, changed history, when he translated the New Testament into German. And this UNESCO World Heritage Site just outside Eisenach is still a massively impressive fortress. At the weekends in Advent, however, a Historic Christmas Market transforms the castle, with artists and street performers, craftsmen and knights. Meet candle makers and barrel makers, rope makers and lantern makers, minstrels and puppeteers.

20 years Garden dreams the 50 most beautiful historical parks and gardens in Saxony-Anhalt.

A celebration in honor of Sebastian Bach, Franz Liszt, Richard Wagner, Richard Strauss and more.

This year's Kurt Weill Festival addresses the topic "What are borders”.

Arnstadt still features more original locations related to the Bach family than any other town. There is much to discover, experience, hear and marvel at. Treat yourself to a short holiday and visit the Bach-Festival 2020!

Weimar's marketers, restaurateurs and craftsmen welcome you to celebrate the beginning of spring on the city's market square. A perfect opportunity to shop for Easter presents like jewelry or decorative arts and the best place to get into the Easter mood.

The new exhibition will open in 2020. More information will follow soon.

The Handel Festival takes place in Halle (Salle), the birthplace of George Frederic Handel, every year since 1922. Music can be enjoyed at authentic venues throughout Halle.

June 13, 1525 commemorates the day the former monk Martin Luther and the escaped nun Katharina von Bora exchanged their wedding vows in this wonderful city by the river Elbe. Each year this historic moment is celebrated by residents and guests. Join in the celebrations, when the wedded couple and 2,000 opulently costumed wedding guest's parade through the streets of the old town of Lutherstadt Wittenberg.

Every year on the third weekend in June, Erfurt brings the Middle Ages back to life in the form of the Merchants' Bridge Festival. The setting for this old town festival is the Merchants' Bridge, one of Erfurt's must-see landmarks. Craftsmen demonstrate the skills of the past, entertainers provide fun and games, minstrels sing and sword fighters step up for battle. There is also a fair on the cathedral square at the same time as the festival, providing entertainment all around the city.

Weimar celebrates the "Fête de la Musique" with bands and live music all over the city.

(Information in German only)

This unique festival, an open-air spectacle on the cathedral steps, has been in existence since 1994. Each year the Theater Erfurt brings a new performance to the Cathedral Square, set before the impressive 700-year-old backdrop of the St. Mary's Cathedral and St. Severi Church, a medieval church ensemble. The summer event highlight has already inspired several hundred thousand visitors to make a pilgrimage to what is certainly Thuringia's most beautiful open-air stage. For quite some time viewers have traveled not only from Germany, but also from many other European countries, as well as from the USA, China and Australia.

Every summer the Cathedral Steps which run between the magnificent architectural ensemble of the Cathedral of St. Mary and the Church of St. Severus are transformed into one of the world´s most beautiful festival stages. It is traditional for the Festival Plays to bring together artists from all genres in a way which unites singers, choirs and orchestras, theatre and ballet.

From 7 pm many of the city’s famous but also less known places and buildings will be illuminated colorfully. The evening will be celebrated with live music at open air stages, at courtyards and inside museums and other unusual locations. Tickets can be purchased online in advance or at the box-office at the evening. 

Click on the link for further information (German only).

Among J. S. Bach's best-known works are the Brandenburg Concertos. He composed these much-loved pieces in Koethen. Visit Koethen Castle, where Bach was Director of Music for the Prince of Anhalt-Koethen; listen to a concert in the Castle's spectacular Hall of Mirrors. The city celebrates him with the International Bach Festival – but it only takes place every other year.

Onion cake, onion soup, onion bread, onion salad and the list goes on. The onion is everywhere you look this weekend in Weimar. Every year it attracts more than 300,000 visitors who travel to Weimar to find out just why local residents celebrate this special vegetable. With a little bit of luck you might even meet the onion Queen.

Lutherstadt Wittenberg stages a major Reformation Day festival, starting with a 10 a.m. service in the city's two main churches, the Castle Church, where Luther nailed up the 95 Theses on October 31, 1517, and the St. Mary's Town Church, where Luther preached and was married. Confirmation candidates from around the world are invited to confirm their faith at moving services in these historical churches, known for the quality of their music and singing.

Afterwards, the cobblestone streets of the city come alive with a parade and street theater, with concerts and exhibitions in the ancient buildings.

Lutherstadt Eisleben will be crowded with medieval dressed people such as craftsmen and jugglers. Come and celebrate Luther's Birthday with us. A medieval spectacle with traditional medieval food and a parade will be held on this day. In the evening a big fire show will entertain the visitors. In many bars in the city center of Eisleben you can taste different types of beer, which was one of Luther's favorite drinks.

If there is one day a year that is enjoyed by families right across LutherCountry, it has to be November 11th. This is Saint Martin's Day, when families in the federal state of Thuringia in Germany celebrate two "Martins": Saint Martin of Tours and Martin Luther.

Both played very important roles in the history of LutherCity Erfurt, with Saint Martin of Tours being the city's patron saint and Martin Luther having been baptized there. In commemoration, local citizens will therefore celebrate St. Martin's Day on November 10th with a big festival featuring old traditions, music and delicious pastries.

Every year from late November to December, LutherCountry transforms into a Winter Wonderland with various Christmas markets. Traditional food and drinks, local crafts, music and entertainment make it possible to celebrate Christmas the way Martin Luther did 500 years ago!

A new permanent exhibition is about to be planned in the Luther House. More details will follow soon.

The federal horticulture show Bundesgartenschau (Buga) will take place in Erfurt this year. From the old town to ega park - all over the city plants, trees, flowers will decorate the city.

More information will come soon.

Within 9 months a digital robot arm writes down the Luther-Bible. Witness this temporary highlight yourself and find the installation on the market square in Eisenach. More informational will follow.

A temporary exhibition at Wartburg Castle that will present Luther’s daily life at the castle.

500 years translation of the bible will be celbrated in Eisenach.

More information will follow soon.

June 13, 1525 commemorates the day the former monk Martin Luther and the escaped nun Katharina von Bora exchanged their wedding vows in this wonderful city by the river Elbe. Each year this historic moment is celebrated by residents and guests. Join in the celebrations, when the wedded couple and 2,000 opulently costumed wedding guest's parade through the streets of the old town of Lutherstadt Wittenberg.

The re-opening of the award-winning ongoing exhibition.

In 10 weeks Martin Luther translated the New Testament into German. A temporary exhibition at Wartburg Castle will now show the steps of translating the Bible and will spotlight Martin Luther’s work.

June 13, 1525 commemorates the day the former monk Martin Luther and the escaped nun Katharina von Bora exchanged their wedding vows in this wonderful city by the river Elbe. Each year this historic moment is celebrated by residents and guests. Join in the celebrations, when the wedded couple and 2,000 opulently costumed wedding guest's parade through the streets of the old town of Lutherstadt Wittenberg.