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Castle · Erfurt, Turíngia
Wartburg
Medieval castle above Eisenach, about 60 km from Erfurt, a World Heritage Site. Luther translated the New Testament there into German; the Romanesque Palas is seen on a guided tour.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Wartburg
The Wartburg sits atop a rock over the town of Eisenach, west of Erfurt. According to tradition it was founded around 1067 by Count Ludwig der Springer. The Palas, the great hall, was built between 1157 and 1170 and is regarded as the best-preserved Romanesque secular building north of the Alps. The castle has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999.
Saint Elizabeth of Hungary lived there from 1211 to 1228. From May 1521 to March 1522 Martin Luther hid at the castle under the name Junker Jörg after being declared an outlaw, and translated the New Testament into German in a few weeks. The room where he worked, the Lutherstube, can be seen, although little there is original.
In 1817 some 500 students gathered at the castle to call for German unity at the so-called Wartburg Festival. The museum brings together paintings from Lucas Cranach’s workshop, tapestries, sculptures by Tilman Riemenschneider and historic furniture.
The Palas is visited as part of a guided group; the museum, the Lutherstube and the display library are seen afterwards on your own.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
At least half a day, allowing for the climb, the guided tour of the Palas, the museum and the Lutherstube.
Best time
Arrive early, especially from April to October when visitor numbers are higher. At the end of the year the castle usually hosts a historic Christmas market during Advent; check the dates.
How to get there
From Erfurt, take the train to Eisenach, between roughly half an hour and an hour depending on the service. From the station take a bus or taxi to the car park below the castle; from there it’s about a 500 m uphill walk or a short shuttle minibus.
Tip
Buy tickets in advance online during the busiest periods. The castle courtyard can be seen without a ticket, but the Palas is only accessible with the guided tour. Wear comfortable shoes for the final slope.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Wartburg
Is it possible to visit the Wartburg on a day trip from Erfurt?
Yes. The train to Eisenach takes from half an hour to about an hour, and the visit requires at least half a day. Leave Erfurt early.
Do I need a guide to see the castle?
The Palas, the main part, is seen on a guided tour. The museum, the Lutherstube and the exhibition library are visited independently afterwards.
What is Wartburg's connection to Luther?
Luther hid in the castle from 1521 to 1522 and there translated the New Testament into German, a milestone for the German language.
Is the climb tiring?
From the parking lot to the castle it's about 500 metres uphill. There are minibuses for those who prefer not to walk up; check their operation.