The Wartburg
Wartburg (approx. 40 km from Oberhof)
If you are interested in German buildings of historical, national or architectural significance then you should definitely visit the Wartburg. This impressive building towers high above Eisenach, a city which is a city enjoying county status with around 41,000 inhabitants in the heart of Germany. The city is closely connected with numerous famous names and personalities such as Martin Luther, Johann Sebastian Bach, Ernst Abbe, Fritz Reuter, Walther von der Vogelweide and Elisabeth von Thüringen. Many of the former workplaces of these personalities, such as the Bach House and the Luther House, are the stated destination of thousands of tourists who visit Eisenach every year. But by far and away the most important tourist attraction without any doubt is the Wartburg high over the roofs of the city. Through its close relationship with the student fraternities the Wartburg counts as one of the most German castles of all. Moreover since 1999 it has been included on the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage list.
Fabled
The people of Eisenach have Count Ludwig of Schauenburg to thank for their famous emblem. He lived from 1042 to 1123 and was known as Ludwig the Jumper. His family initially lived in Mainz and later in the Thuringian Friedrichroda, until Ludwig decided to move the family seat to the very hill in Eisenach which until that time had possibly served as a military vantage point. The origin of the name of the Wartburg is not completely transparent. Thus the name might have been borrowed from its function at the time as a lookout castle (Wachburg). Other traditions speak of the enormous enthusiasm Ludwig the Jumper felt at the sight of the hill, and the fact that he allegedly cried out overwhelmed: “Warte Berg, du sollst mir eine Burg tragen!” (“Wait, hill, thou shalt bear me a castle!”) but other traditions are also connected with the Wartburg, and even a miracle is alleged to have taken place there. The stories surrounding the fortress also include the legendary war of singers between 1260 and 1270. During a musical festival the most important singers of the time – also including the famous Walther von der Vogelweide – vied for the best hymns of praise to their respective prince. The miracle which allegedly took place on the Wartburg is associated with Elisabeth von Thüringen, also popularly known as Saint Elisabeth. When she once again wanted to provide the poorest of the poor beneath the castle with bread (which she was naturally forbidden to do under threat of punishment), she was seized by the guards and forced to reveal the hidden contents of her apron. But the soldiers saw only a heap of roses, into which the bread had been transformed.
Architectural features
The Wartburg is divided into several areas which differ by their height and function. In the lower area is the door to the castle. From this leads a small passage which takes visitors to a somewhat higher castle courtyard. Of significance to tourists here above all are the wrought iron well and the bay window of the Luther Room which lies directly above this. It is said that it was in this Luther Room that in 1521 Martin Luther translated the Bible into German in just eleven weeks. It is also said that the Devil appeared to him, whereupon Luther threw a full inkpot at this incarnate being. The result was a large ink stain on the wall of the Luther Room which could still be seen until recently. Compared with these highlights, there are also several well preserved historical canons which can be not only admired but also touched (a must for children).
After another castle gate visitors reach the large courtyard. On the left hand side you are immediately struck by the famous arcades. They are a component of the residential quarters of the castle, in which the keep and the knights’ “baths” were housed. Also here are the armoury, the dining room and the main, minstrels’ and knights’ halls, although it is hard to decide which room was decorated the most splendidly and artistically with ornaments and wall paintings. Above all the impressive minstrels’ hall (often also known as the festival hall) is today often the venue for major cultural and social events due to its splendour and the first class acoustics.
In the middle of the large courtyard is the cistern, an old round well in which today a number of fish have found a new home. The right side of the courtyard is dominated by a former storehouse to which the southern castle tower is attached. It is well worth climbing the tower for the spectacular panoramic view of the city and the whole of the Thuringian Forest. Visitors to the southern tower can also choose to climb down the stairs and they will then find themselves in the old dungeon.
Information for visitors
The castle is naturally open to visitors all year round. In winter (November to March) guided tours take place between 09.00 and 15.00, but the castle gate is open for tourists until 17.00. But a visit to the Wartburg in the summer months from April up to and including October is a special experience. Then the guided tours through the castle and the museum are extended to 17.00 and the castle gate receives guests for three hours longer (until 20.00). Visitors can also enjoy a unique ride on one of the Wartburg donkeys, which help to make the last few metres up to the castle easier to tackle. A charming experience, especially for children.
Naturally a visit to the Wartburg is free of charge, while guided tours through the residential quarters or the attached museum cost € 8 per person, while children over 6 and adolescents pay only € 5. There are reduced rates for people with disabilities and groups (25 or more people). Film and photo enthusiasts need to keep another € 1 (photos) or € 5 (videos) handy for a permit.
The more than 500,000 tourists who enjoy the Wartburg every year naturally want to eat and drink too. This is taken care of by a restaurant, a terrace cafe with a unique view, smaller sales stands distributed across the entire site and of course the 5-star hotel itself. In addition the Wartburg is a popular choice for seminars, meetings and banquets, and thanks to the outpost of the Eisenach registrar’s office young couples can also exchange their vows here.
Summary:
There is no question that the Wartburg is worth a visit. For a comprehensive look visitors need to allow sufficient time. To take in all the attractions and two days are better than just a few hours. There are also numerous other historic sites and buildings in Eisenach at the foot of the castle which are directly associated with the Wartburg (monument to the student fraternities, pump room, Luther House, Bach House etc.).