Historic Christmas market at Wartburg Castle
What would a trip to Eisenach be without visiting the Wartburg? In December it becomes extra special when the Historic Christmas Market at the Wartburg opens on weekends, and the castle is bathed in festive lights. Between plenty of timber frames and castle gates you’ll smell honey mead, Feuerzangenbowle and freshly baked flatbreads and if you’re still looking for a Christmas gift, you’ll find lots of handmade items here that would look perfect under the tree.
Advent atmosphere in the old town
If you can’t get enough of the festive mood, the town centre is home to another lovely Eisenach Christmas market. At the little stalls you’ll find all kinds of classic Christmassy treats: handmade goods, mulled wine and, of course, an authentic Thuringian bratwurst amongst many other delectables.
The market traditionally opens at the end of November and runs until mid-December — ideal for a spontaneous weekend trip or a winter short break in Thuringia.
Winter hiking in the Thuringian Forest
Does it snow in Thuringia in winter? Around Eisenach and the Thuringian Forest, you might just be lucky — and when it does, we recommend wrapping up warm and heading out to explore. From Eisenach a number of hiking trails set off straight into the winter wonderland. Particularly popular are the climb up to the Wartburg and a hike through the famous Drachenschlucht (Dragon Gorge). Between frozen waterfalls and glistening rock faces the gorge feels almost otherworldly in winter.
Quick Tip: check in advance whether the Drachenschlucht is open — in severe frost the path is sometimes closed.
The nearby Hainich National Park, which only about 30 minutes away, also shows a wonderfully calm side of winter. Boardwalks and viewpoints lead through the snowy beech forest — part of the UNESCO World Natural Heritage — which looks especially magical under a dusting of snow.
November highlight: Eisenach’s Kulturherbst
If you don’t want to wait for winter, Autumn is also great for visiting Eisenach. On 14 and 15 November the annual Eisenach Kulturherbst takes place. For two days the whole town turns into a giant stage. Expect concerts, art exhibitions and readings in unusual locations, from churches to galleries. It’s an event that perfectly blends culture and creativity.
Visiting Eisenach in late autumn offers a special in-between feeling: the last autumn leaves meet the first frosty nights, cafés are already decorated for the season, and the air carries that quiet promise of winter.
Cosy hours with coffee and cake
Whether it’s autumn or the midst of winter, a delicious slice of cake and a steaming cup of coffee are always crowd pleasers. Eisenach has plenty of cafés where you can enjoy a few cosy moments. Some of our favourites are Café Brüheim, Zucker & Zimt Café-Restaurant and Café Toccata.
So, feeling pretty good about a winter break in Eisenach now, right? If you’re craving snowy adventures and a special level of comfort, Pentahotel Eisenach is made for you.
From our hotel you’re just minutes from nature or Eisenach’s city centre, and in the evenings you’ll be able to return to a stylish bedroom to relax and unwind. Or you can pop into our Pentalounge, where good food, refreshing drinks and a chance encounter with fellow travellers are always on the menu.
