Wartburg Castle: travel, accommodation & events at a glance

The Wartburg, majestically enthroned on a hill above the town of Eisenach in Germany, is not just an imposing medieval fortress, but a living testimony to history and an important cultural icon of immense national significance.

I'll show you everything you need to know about Wartburg Castle in Eisenach as a culture enthusiast and tourist.

Why you should definitely visit Wartburg Castle

• Historical significance: Wartburg Castle is an important symbol of German history. It was the place where Martin Luther translated the New Testament into German during his time in exile, which had an enormous influence on the spread of the Reformation. The place exudes an aura of history and offers insights into an important phase of European history.
• Architectural beauty: Wartburg Castle is architecturally fascinating. With various architectural styles, including Romanesque, Gothic and Renaissance elements, it is an impressive example of medieval architecture. Particularly noteworthy are the Elisabeth Hall and the frescoes, which show the splendour of past centuries.
• Panoramic view and surroundings: The castle sits majestically on a hill above Eisenach and offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the surrounding countryside. The green hills, forests and valleys in the surrounding area offer a picturesque setting for walks and hikes.
• Cultural events: Wartburg Castle is a venue for cultural events such as concerts, exhibitions and events that keep the castle's historical heritage alive. These events offer a deeper understanding of the cultural significance of Wartburg Castle.
• UNESCO World Heritage Site: Wartburg Castle is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which emphasises its global significance and cultural value. This makes it a centre of attraction for visitors from all over the world who are looking for a deeper understanding of European history and culture.

View of Wartburg Castle and the forests around Eisenach from the Metilstein
© Photo: Christian Wolf

Spend the night at Wartburg Castle: Romantic hotel & prices at a glance

The Romantikhotel auf der Wartburg is located within the castle walls and therefore offers a unique setting for visitors. The historical surroundings and the impressive architecture of the castle lend a special atmosphere to the stay and allow guests to reside in the midst of history.

The hotel offers a selection of comfortable rooms that are stylishly furnished and equipped with modern amenities to make your stay a pleasant one. The rooms could feature historical accents while offering modern comforts. These are the rooms:

• Castle room, Double room with comfort, between 17 and 27 m². Price per night from approx. €230,-.
• Romantic room, Double room to feel at home in, between 27 and 40 m². Price per night from approx. €254,-.
• Luther room, Cosy single room, 15 m². Price per night from approx. €150,-.
• Warburg Suite, Spacious suite, 52 m². Price per night from approx. €350,-.
• Junior Suite, Spacious suite, between 30 and 41 m². Price per night from approx. €294,-.

Check-in is possible from 16:00–22:00, check-out until 10:30 a.m.

The hotel has a restaurant where guests can enjoy local specialities and international cuisine. The service is designed to offer guests a pleasant and relaxing stay, with a touch of elegance and history.

A stay at the Romantikhotel Auf der Wartburg offers a special opportunity to experience the castle after regular visiting hours and enjoy the unique ambience away from the crowds.

More information about the hotel: https://wartburghotel.de/en

History of Wartburg Castle: The Sängerstreit, Luther and St Elisabeth

Inside the walls of Wartburg Castle in winter
© Natalia Kaiser - Freepik.com

The history of Wartburg Castle is rich in cultural events and historical turning points: Wartburg Castle's roots go back to the 11th century, when it served as a protective castle for the town of Eisenach. Its importance grew in the 12th century, when it became a place of refuge and the setting for various historical events.

One of the legendary events at Wartburg Castle was the Sängerstreit in 1206. According to tradition, minstrels and poets gathered to showcase their skills in a competition. This event was later immortalised in Richard Wagner's opera "Tannhäuser".

Saint Elisabeth of Thuringia, also known as Elisabeth of Hungary, lived at Wartburg Castle for a time. She was known for her charitable work and her compassion for the poor. The legends about her charity and her symbolic connection to Wartburg Castle make her an important part of the castle's history.

Martin Luther, one of the key figures of the Reformation, went into hiding at Wartburg Castle in 1521 after being excommunicated. He lived there as "Junker Jörg" and began translating the New Testament into German, which helped to spread the Bible in the German language and promote the Reformation.

These events take place regularly at Wartburg Castle

Various events take place regularly at Wartburg Castle, delighting visitors with cultural experiences and historical flair:

• Concerts and music events: The castle provides a picturesque backdrop for concerts of various genres, from classical music to contemporary interpretations. The concerts often take place in the Elisabeth Hall or in other historic rooms of the castle, which offer unique acoustics and atmosphere.
• Themed tours and historical productions: Special guided tours and productions allow visitors to immerse themselves in the fascinating history of Wartburg Castle. These events can recreate historical epochs or emphasise certain aspects of the castle and its past.
• Cultural events and exhibitions: Wartburg Castle is a venue for cultural events such as exhibitions of works of art, historical artefacts or themed displays that shed light on the history and culture of the castle and its surroundings.
• Special events on public holidays: On special occasions such as Christmas or regional festivals, special events or celebrations can take place at Wartburg Castle to put visitors in a festive mood. Particularly popular: the annual Christmas market at Wartburg Castle.
• Seasonal events and festivities: Depending on the time of year, seasonal events such as spring festivals, summer festivals or autumn events can be organised at Wartburg Castle to familiarise visitors with traditional customs and regional culture.

Here you will find an overview of current events at Wartburg Castle: https://www.wartburg.de/veranstaltungsuebersicht

Getting there and travelling: How to get to Wartburg Castle

Many roads lead to Wartburg Castle! Of course, you should first travel to Eisenach, for example via the A4 motorway.

You can then drive to the car park at the foot of Wartburg Castle by car. To get there, take the B19 and drive up the driveway to the castle. At the start of the driveway, there are signs indicating whether there are still enough parking spaces available. Shuttle buses run regularly from the car park to the top. The car park fee is around €5 and the fee for the shuttle service is around €2.50.

If there are no more parking spaces available at Wartburg Castle, you should park in the town. As in many other German cities, it is difficult to find a car park in Eisenach. A nearby car park would be the paid car park on the grounds of the old brewery (Wartburgallee 25, Eisenach). You could then reach Wartburg Castle on foot or by bus.

There are many ways to reach Wartburg Castle on foot from Eisenach. If you start the ascent from the B19, you will be at the top in around 30-45 minutes. The path leads through the forest and is not suitable for wheelchair users!

Of course you can also get to Wartburg Castle by train and bus! The bus station is located in the immediate vicinity of Eisenach railway station. The line 3 runs via the Drachenschlucht to Wartburg Castle.