Plizio Visual Lab
Wartburg
Wartburg Castle near Eisenach, a landmark of Thuringia and a UNESCO World Heritage site, has nearly a millennium of history. Founded in 1067 by Ludwig der Springer, it evolved into one of the most important castles of the German Middle Ages. It gained worldwide fame as the sanctuary of Martin Luther, who translated the New Testament into German here between 1521 and 1522, significantly shaping the modern German language. Saint Elizabeth of Hungary also lived and served at the castle during the 13th century. The architectural complex displays an impressive mix of Romanesque palace structures and 19th-century restorations. Today, Wartburg is not only a museum of medieval art but also a site of immense national identity and religious significance.
- Location: Thuringia, Germany
- Top sights: Wartburg-Museum · Wartburg · Wartburgkapelle
- Nearby: Ruhla (9 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -1 | 0 | 3 | 8 | 12 | 16 | 19 | 18 | 14 | 9 | 4 | 0 |
| Rain mm | 62 | 44 | 50 | 39 | 74 | 64 | 81 | 66 | 58 | 54 | 61 | 65 |
📋 Practical info
Geography
Facts
- Wartburg Castle was founded in the year 1067.
- Martin Luther translated the New Testament in just eleven weeks while at the castle.
- The historic Wartburg Festival of German fraternities took place here in 1817.
- The Romanesque Palace (Palas) was constructed between 1157 and 1170.
- Wartburg was the setting for the legendary Minstrels' Contest in 1206.
- The castle has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1999.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Wartburg (10)
Elisabethplan
Lookout plateau on the Wartburg, named after Saint Elizabeth of Thuringia.
Elisabethbrunnen
Well in the Wartburg castle courtyard, dedicated to Saint Elizabeth.
Wartburg View
Viewpoint offering a sight of Wartburg castle and the Thuringian landscape.
Erlebnisportal Thüringen - Wartburg🏛 museum
Visitor center providing information about Wartburg and Thuringian attractions.
Aussichtsterasse
Terrace on the Wartburg with a panoramic view over the Thuringian Forest.
Wartburgblick v.d. Blidenstatt
Site of a medieval trebuchet, offering a view of Wartburg castle.
Burgruine Metilstein🏰 castle
Ruins of a hilltop castle near Eisenach, only remnants of walls remain.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What did Martin Luther do here?
How do you get up to the castle?
Is photography allowed in the castle?
Is there a restaurant there?
Who was Saint Elizabeth?
Wartburg: where is it located?
Wartburg: what is there to see?
Wartburg: when is the best time to visit?
Wartburg: why is it worth visiting?
Nearby cities
