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Eisenach

Eisenach-birthplace of Johann Sabastian Bach

The Marki-Central SquareMore Photos
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I decided to visit Eisenach because of my love for Bach and my Lutheran heritage. Wartberg Castle, where Martin Luther, while hiding from Rome, translated the N.T. from Greek into German, is also located in Eisenach.

Eisenach-birthplace of Johann Sabastian Bach

Overview

The Marki-Central Square
So much to see and do: If possible, walk to to the WARTBERG CASTLE...visit the birthplace of JOHANN SABASTIAN BACH...visit the GEORGENKIRCHE, where members of the BACH family, including Sebastian, served as organists...walk around this interesting towm with its medieval buildings..visit LUTHERHAUS where Luther lived as a young boy..

Quick Tips:

You need to stay at least two days to fully appreciate what this town has to offer.

Best Way To Get Around:

I arrived by train from Berlin (3 hours)..Once I arrived in Eisenach, I walked everywhere. If you're in pretty good shape, this is the way to see this town. The walk up to the castle is long..there are busses and taxi service if needed.

Jugend-herberge Artur Becker

Hotel

Jugend-herberge Artur Becker

What a find. This is a great hostel, located in a beautiful old building, fairly close to the base of Wartberg Castle.

The rooms were clean, beds fairly large, with wonderful views of the countryside.

They also served a delicious breakfast in the morning. People were extremely friendly. There are a number of reading rooms at this hostel if you have a need to be alone.

I think I paid around $15 A night..well worth every penny.

  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by unorthodox traveler on December 12, 2000

Jugend-herberge Artur Becker
Mariental 24 Eisenach, Germany
203-61-3

Wartberg Castle

Activity

Luther's Hiding Place in Castle

Wartberg Castle

The main attraction in Eisenach is this WARTBERG CASTLE. Richard Wagner based his opera TANNHAUSER on a minstrel's contest taking place in the castle in 1206-07. This castle was also the residence of the much loved Elisabeth of Thuringia, who was canonized after her death in 1235 for rejecting a pompous court lifestyle in favor of helping the poor and disadvantaged.In 1521-22, the reformer, Martin Luther went into hiding in the castle, under the assumed name of Junker Jorg after being excommunicated and put under a papal bull.

Being a Lutheran,I found this place fascinating, especially being in the actual room where Luther lived and translated the New Testament from the original Greek to German.

You can take a tour of the CASTLE..THE GREAT BANQUET HALL IS well worth the visit alone. The castle was very crowded when I was there at the end of July.There is a small admission charge.

  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by unorthodox traveler on December 12, 2000

Wartberg Castle
On the hill Eisenach, Germany

Georgenkirche

Activity

Georgenkirche

Georgenkirche

This church is a must-see if you have any interest in classical music. Many members of the Bach family, including Johann Sabastian, served as organists between 1665-1797. The church has many paintings of members of the Bach family as well as ancient tombstones, including that of Ludwig der Springer, the legendary founder of the Wartberg Castle.

The church is open during the day and often has choral/organ concerts.

  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by unorthodox traveler on December 12, 2000

Georgenkirche
The Marki Eisenach, Germany

Lutherhaus

Activity

Lutherhaus

A few feet from Bach's church(Georgenkirch) is the half-timpered Lutherhaus where Martin Luther lived as a schoolboy between 1498-1501. There is an excellent exhibit tracing the reformers life as well as his accomplishments through paintings, manuscripts, and an interactive multi-media presentation.

There is an entrance fee of around $3.

  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by unorthodox traveler on December 12, 2000

Lutherhaus
Lutherplatz 8 Eisenach, Germany

Bachhaus

Activity

Bachhaus

This house contains a memorial exhibit on BACH who was born in a now demolished house nearby. Although you don't get the same emotional feelings knowing that this wasn't the actual house he was born in, there is certainly a deep appreciation for the composer and his works.

During the dya there is a short concert played on antique instruments.

There is a $5 Charge for admission.

  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by unorthodox traveler on December 12, 2000

Bachhaus
Frauenplen 21 Eisenach, Germany

About the Writer

unorthodox traveler
unorthodox traveler
Norway, United States

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